Addressing the Crisis: New Worker Accommodation Proposed for Noosa Junction
A fresh development proposal in the heart of Noosa Heads could soon provide much-needed relief to the region’s critical shortage of affordable worker accommodation.
A development application has been submitted to Noosa Council by Town Planning Alliance Pty Ltd, on behalf of property owner John Haines, for a modern, three-storey rooming complex at 23 Bottlebrush Avenue. Nestled just behind the vibrant Noosa Junction retail and hospitality precinct, the proposed project aims to meet the growing demand for affordable housing specifically tailored to hospitality staff and students.
The vision for the 506sqm site includes the demolition of an existing two-storey home to make way for 16 one-bedroom, one-bathroom units. These would be complemented by shared amenities including a communal kitchen, laundry, outdoor breakout zones, and landscaped courtyard areas. The design balances functionality with a focus on community living — ideal for Noosa’s seasonal and transient workforce.
According to the planning report, the development is “thoughtfully designed to integrate with the surrounding residential context,” with attention paid to maintaining the neighbourhood’s established character. The proposed building height remains well under the 12-metre cap, with a sloping basement car park incorporated into the design to provide six car parks, six motorcycle bays, and nine bicycle spaces.
The location couldn’t be more ideal for prospective residents. Just a short walk from employment hubs, public transport, and local shops, the site offers convenience and lifestyle without sacrificing affordability — two rare features in Noosa’s increasingly strained housing market.
Importantly, the project has been designed to fit within the high-density residential zoning of the Noosa Heads Local Plan Area. While the site already has an approval for five units granted in 2021, the new proposal reflects a shift in priorities: from private residential dwellings to purpose-built, community-oriented worker housing.
The application comes as Noosa Council continues to grapple with a broader housing shortage, particularly for key workers. Just nearby, a separate state-led proposal for 195 affordable units in Lanyana Way is also under consideration.
With this new application deemed code assessable and requiring no state referrals, it will now move through Council’s internal review process.
If approved, this forward-thinking development could become a vital piece in solving Noosa’s housing puzzle, supporting the very workers who keep the town’s bustling tourism and hospitality economy running.
