Noosa has become so expensive “many locals can’t afford to stay here’’, the shire’s Mayor has revealed.
Mayor Clare Stewart’s shock admission laid bare the tourism mecca’s growing housing affordability crisis.
She is on the front foot and Tuesday outlined a three-pronged attack on the issue.
The Mayor is seeking support from fellow councillors to review Council land holdings to look for allotments suitable for low-cost housing.
She said that although affordable housing was a state issue, Council had a role to play in bringing stakeholders together and assisting the housing industry and other levels of government to create affordable accommodation.
“This is particularly important for our community where the cost of buying and renting has become so expensive that many locals can’t afford to stay here.
“Besides the influx of retirees, we’re seeing younger people relocating from big cities.
“The impact of COVID has seen Noosa become even more of a hot spot for southern buyers which is contributing to driving house prices up.
“With demand for housing outstripping supply, securing a home has never been more expensive.
“Adding to the pressure, is that more and homes are being removed from the rental pool for short-stay and holiday letting, leaving long-term tenants nowhere to go.
“This is about putting a plan in place to ensure our community has every opportunity possible to access affordable housing into the future.”
The Salvation Army’s Aaron Pimlott welcomed Noosa Council’s commitment to helping what was a growing problem in the area.
“Noosa is a very sought-after place to live. It’s one of the top holiday destinations in Australia,’’ he said.
“But for those who don’t have the means of some of the visitors and investors, trying to live and secure housing (in Noosa) is very challenging.
“This is not a simple fix and access to social and affordable housing is an ongoing conversation with the State Government and other providers, such as the Salvation Army.
“It’s not just about dwellings, it’s also about supporting people.’’
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Mayor Stewart said reviews of Council’s Local Economic Plan and Noosa’s planning scheme would also look to kick-start more affordable housing projects in the shire.
“We need to make sure we’re creating accommodation for our key workers such as hospitality staff, plus laying the foundation for more community housing options in Noosa,” she said.
A Mayoral Minute detailing the plan will be tabled at Thursday’s Ordinary Meeting.
“I am seeking the support of councillors, so we can make sure any potential planning scheme and policy changes we make are robust enough to achieve the housing outcomes our community desperately needs,” the Mayor said.
“Once Council staff have recommended planning scheme changes and potential affordable housing sites, we can start to consider which housing models are most suitable,” the Mayor said.
“For this we’ll work in consultation with housing providers and local MP Sandy Bolton whose Housing Action Group is doing good work in this space.”
