Noosa Council has re-affirmed its commitment to the community that any proposed changes to height restrictions for affordable housing will not harm the character or amenity of the shire.
The newly endorsed Housing Strategy offers 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,” Mayor Clare Stewart 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 the 2021-22 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 per cent 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, “ the Mayor 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,” she said. “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.“
The Mayor and the Environment and Sustainable Development Director Kim Rawlings met with Deputy Premier Steven Miles last week, where he applauded Noosa Council for its proactive approach to tackling the affordable housing crisis.
