Changing face of Noosa

Smaller, more affordable housing, multipurpose business spaces and red tape cuts for farmers applying for rural enterprises are among submissions received for the new Noosa Plan.
Noosa Council staff have reviewed more than 200 submissions from residents, businesses and community groups which is helping to shape the draft plan which council are expected to consider early in 2018.
Environment and Sustainable Development Director Kim Rawlings said the draft would then proceed to the State Government for the first interest check before being presented to the community for further consultation.
One key focus for the new scheme is to plan for a greater choice of housing – particularly smaller, more affordable housing, Ms Rawlings said.
“This is important if we are to accommodate workers who are being priced out of larger housing near retail and hospitality precincts, as well as older residents looking to downsize.
Once the council adopts the draft scheme next year, the State Government will review it to ensure the new Noosa Plan aligns with the aims of State departments and agencies.
“This may take some time,“ Ms Rawlings said.
“Then we can put the draft planning scheme to the community for further comment. At this stage, we hope to be able to do that towards the end of next year. Meanwhile, the draft planning scheme must remain confidential until it is released for public view by all the community.”