Calls for greater representation in national housing talks
Noosa Council wants a stronger voice in national housing matters, by having the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) included in the Housing and Homelessness Ministerial Council.
It’s one of the key motions put forward by Noosa to be debated at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Conference in October.
Acting Mayor Brian Stockwell said councils need to work together with state and federal governments to tackle the affordable and social housing crisis.
“To find real solutions, we must collaborate at all levels,” Cr Stockwell said.
Councils around Australia are grappling with the impact of key worker accommodation and are demanding that local government have a seat at the national Ministerial Council.
Noosa’s advocacy was instigated by Cr Amelia Lorentson who recently attended a roundtable with like-minded councils at the ALGA National Convention.
“The impacts of short-term rental accommodation on rental availability and housing supply are key concerns for many councils, and it’s vitally important that the ALGA becomes a permanent member of the Ministerial Council to ensure that housing strategies are tailored to regional needs,” Cr Lorentson said.
“This would ensure that councils had a voice to play a more effective role in accelerating housing supply,” she said
Noosa has now formed an informal alliance with councils from New South Wales and Victoria who are experiencing similar problems.
“By joining forces, we can advocate more effectively for solutions such as those we are seeking support for at the LGAQ conference,” Cr Stockwell said.
Noosa is also seeking support for establishing state government registers and potential funding streams to help local governments manage the impacts of short-term letting and strike the right balance between residents and tourists.
“We want to make sure councils have a significant role in shaping housing policies and that our local perspectives are heard,” Cr Stockwell said.