Residents granted more time to comment on plans aimed at addressing housing dilemma

Locals have been given more time to have a say on proposed planning scheme amendments in a famous holiday town.

Residents now have until Sunday, July 28, to provide feedback on mooted changes to the Noosa Plan, including initiatives to rezone areas and restrict short-term accommodation.

Mayor Frank Wilkie said there had already been a strong response but councillors wanted to ensure there was ample time for people to comment on it.

“Although many major business and community groups and residents have already provided 350 submissions, this extension will allow anyone who missed the deadline to be able to have a say as well,” he said.

The planned changes have been designed to address housing issues in the region.

Proposed amendments

Expand housing choice by requiring and incentivising smaller dwellings, accessible dwellings, affordable dwellings, and dwellings specifically built for permanent rental.
Pave the way for development of more social or affordable housing.
Prevent further short-term accommodation within medium and high-density residential zones and key centre zones to prioritise permanent residents.
Rezone certain areas to increase opportunities for smaller dwellings and key worker housing.

“In addition, the proposed amendments will see some coastal Tourist Accommodation Zones rezoned for permanent residents and a broader range of local business uses,” Cr Wilkie said.

“The proposed changes will also set clearer expectations for the future development of the Noosa Business Centre precinct to provide diversity of employment and housing opportunities.”

Cr Wilkie thanked residents who had already had a say during the original six-week consultation period.

“Staff have begun reviewing all of the submissions already received between May 31 and July 14, and we look forward to receiving further feedback between now and July 28.”

In June, council wrote to 646 property owners in areas of proposed zone changes, as well as more than 390 owners adjoining proposed zone changes, to advise them of the changes and how to have a say.

“Our planning staff also contacted 105 planning, design and development consultants operating in Noosa, plus 39 business and community groups with information to share with their members,” Cr Wilkie said.

About 300 people attended five information pop-ups and council’s June 20 Ordinary Meeting to find out more, and to talk to council planning staff about the proposed amendments.