Residents are being invited to have their say on a raft of amendments to Noosa’s planning scheme.
The planning scheme changes are aimed at addressing local housing challenges, improving housing choice and further limiting the spread of short-term accommodation.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the proposed amendments had been with the state government for 12 months undergoing a state interest check.
“We now have the all-clear from the state government to present the proposed amendments for feedback,” he said.
“These amendments will enable us to implement key recommendations of both the Noosa Housing Strategy – developed with input from our community in 2022 – and the Short-term Accommodation Monitoring Report 2022.
“We said we’d further limit the spread of short-term accommodation and do all we can at the local government level to improve the housing situation, and these amendments do that.”
The proposed changes aim to expand housing choice by requiring and incentivising smaller dwellings, accessible dwellings, affordable dwellings and dwellings specifically built for permanent rental.
The amendments would also pave the way for development of more social or affordable housing, and prevent further short-term accommodation within medium and high-density residential zones and key centre zones to prioritise permanent residents.
Mr Wilkie said certain areas could also be rezoned to increase opportunities for smaller dwellings and key worker housing.
“The amendments also propose to rezone some tourist accommodation zone areas in Noosaville, Noosa Heads and Sunshine Beach for permanent residents and a broader range of local business uses,” he said.
Council’s strategy and environment director Kim Rawlings said the suite of amendments would also set clearer expectations for the future development of the Noosa Business Centre precinct.
Residents can find out more about the proposed Noosa Plan 2020 Amendment No.2 and talk to a planner at upcoming pop-ups across the region, or view online at yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au.
Electronic copies of the proposed amendments are also available at council’s offices at 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin, and Noosaville and Cooroy libraries.
Submissions can be made on any aspect of the proposed amendments until Sunday, July 14.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
