Noosa Council has re-affirmed its commitment to the community that any proposed changes to height restrictions for affordable and social housing will not harm the character or amenity of the shire.
The newly endorsed Housing Strategy provides potential incentives to encourage investors to provide a greater delivery of accessible, social and affordable housing in areas with good access to public transport, employment and goods and services.
The inclusionary planning provisions in the strategy achieve this through mechanisms such as bonuses and incentives to increase the developable floor area or allow one additional storey in larger centres, such as Noosa Junction, and the Noosa Business centre.
“It’s important to clarify that any proposed amendments aim to contain projects to certain areas in the shire, because through the Housing Strategy consultation, the community supported locating more housing in centres where services and transport are provided,” she said.
“Feedback from our housing strategy also confirmed that the community support council playing a role in social, affordable and worker accommodation, but not at the expense of our environment, open spaces and green areas, “Cr Stewart said.
Cr Stewart said the 21-22 Annual Report highlighted that this council has expanded the conservation estate in Noosa to nearly 41 per cent of the shire. This is up from 34.75% in 2018.
“Similarly, any potential relaxation of height limits for additional one storey will only occur where social and affordable housing outcomes are being delivered and strict guidelines being adhered to,” she said.
Parts of Noosa Junction and Noosa Business Centre are currently limited to three storeys. In Tewantin, the height limit is two storeys, however there is one site on the northern side of Doonella Street that could potentially go to three storeys, if it provides for social and affordable housing.
“There are absolutely no plans in this strategy to have four storeys anywhere in the Tewantin Business Centre, “she said.
Cr Stewart said council remained committed to protecting the current height limits in the new Noosa Plan outside these areas.
“There are strict building heights for different areas across the shire, which have been in place for many years and these remain non-negotiable,”
“All councillors are committed to maintaining the look and feel and protecting Noosa’s heritage, character and what makes Noosa different by nature,
“Any changes will include community consultation and that too is non-negotiable and is required under the Planning Act,” Cr Stewart said.
The Noosa Housing Strategy is a landmark document aimed to facilitate greater choice in accommodation and improve housing affordability in Noosa.
The Mayor and Director of Environment and Sustainable Development Kim Rawlings had a meeting with Deputy Premier Steven Miles last week, where he applauded Noosa Council for its proactive approach to tackling the affordable housing crisis.
“Minister Miles was extremely positive about what we are doing as a council, and the initiatives we are implementing to address the current situation,” Cr Stewart said.
