Council opposes state move to bypass Noosa’s planning scheme

Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie has called on the community to oppose state planning changes that enable developers to bypass Council’s planning scheme. 

Proposed planning changes will allow developers to bypass Council’s planning scheme.

Council will make a submission opposing proposed amendments to the Planning Regulation 2017 which will allow developers to go direct to the state for planning approval if they include an affordable housing component.

The proposed changes follow implementation of the Housing Availability and Affordability (Planning and Other Legislation) Amendment Bill 2023.

Under the changes, Mayor Wilkie said, including as little as 15% affordable housing within a proposed development was enough to remove Council as development assessor and give the minister approval powers.

“The vague definition of ‘affordable’, the potential for these units to be sold on the open market, the unspecified height limits and right to build them almost anywhere undermines the locally responsive planning practices that have shaped our shire,” he said.

“Noosa Council has a long history of upholding its planning scheme and successfully defending its planning decisions in court – it’s what has defined the look and feel of the Noosa residents and visitors know and love today.

“Not only do these changes bypass Council’s statutory assessment role and make the state the decision maker, but there is also no obligation on the state to consider our planning scheme in deciding what applications it approves.

“Plus, the changes proposed do not provide adequate assurance that affordable housing delivered in the developments it approves will be protected in perpetuity,” the Mayor said.

Council will lodge its submission opposing the changes and the community too can help, with residents urged to write to the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works opposing the changes.

“Unfortunately, the state has left local councils and Queensland residents little time to provide feedback on the changes, with the window to lodge submissions closing on Tuesday, May 21.”

To find out more and have a say, visit yoursay.housing.qld.gov.au

Residents can also email the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Public Works via: housing@ministerial.qld.gov.au