As Australia grapples with a deepening housing crisis, many local councils are taking bold steps to ease the pressure on residents struggling to secure affordable housing. In a notable move, the Noosa Shire Council has introduced a new policy aimed at helping locals save up to $7,000 in fees associated with building secondary dwellings.
This initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to combat the nation’s skyrocketing home prices and rental rates.
The Housing Crisis in Australia: A Growing Concern
Australia’s housing market has reached new heights, with the median home price across the country surpassing $1 million for the first time in history. Renters are also feeling the pinch, facing unprecedented high rental costs, particularly in major urban centers.
As housing demand continues to exceed supply, many individuals and families are finding themselves squeezed out of the market.
With affordable housing becoming increasingly elusive, councils across Australia are exploring innovative solutions to provide relief. One such solution involves secondary dwellings, like granny flats and tiny homes, which can offer much-needed accommodation without the hefty price tag associated with new homes.
Noosa Shire Council’s Bold Decision
In a groundbreaking move, the Noosa Shire Council has announced that starting July 1, 2025, the council will waive infrastructure charges for secondary dwellings like granny flats.
These charges, which usually cost homeowners several thousand dollars, are typically levied to cover the added strain on local infrastructure, such as roads, water, and sewerage systems, caused by increased housing density.
According to Richard MacGillivray, Noosa’s Director of Development and Regulation, the removal of these fees will save applicants an average of $7,000. “This is a significant saving for landowners looking to build secondary dwellings,” said MacGillivray.
The initiative is designed to encourage more residents to build granny flats and other secondary housing options, particularly for singles, couples, and older residents who are seeking affordable long-term housing.
Impact of Waiving Infrastructure Charges
The policy is a strategic move aimed at addressing the growing demand for affordable housing in Noosa, a popular coastal town in Queensland.
By removing the financial burden of infrastructure charges, the council hopes to stimulate the construction of granny flats that will be available for permanent accommodation rather than short-term rentals.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie also expressed optimism about the initiative, stating that the removal of infrastructure charges would help increase the availability of affordable housing units in the region. “We hope that by removing these charges, we will see more people building granny flats and offering them for rent,” Wilkie said.
How This Policy Fits into Broader Housing Strategies
Noosa’s decision to waive infrastructure charges is part of a growing trend across Australia, where local councils are introducing similar measures to support the construction of secondary dwellings.
For instance, in Victoria, homeowners can now build small second dwellings of up to 60 square meters without requiring a planning permit, as long as the land meets certain criteria.
Similarly, Western Australia has eased restrictions, allowing granny flats to be built on any residential lot without planning approval, provided they meet local setback requirements.
These policies reflect a shift towards more flexible and cost-effective housing solutions that can help alleviate some of the pressure on the housing market.
Noosa’s focus on granny flats is particularly relevant, as these structures offer a sustainable way to create more housing without the need for large-scale development projects.
Key Details of Noosa’s New Policy
| Policy Change | Details |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Charges Waived | The council will no longer charge infrastructure fees for building secondary dwellings. |
| Savings for Locals | Homeowners can save an average of $7,000 on infrastructure charges for new granny flats. |
| Eligible Projects | The policy applies to secondary dwellings used for permanent accommodation (not short-term rentals). |
| Additional Incentives | Development application fees waived for not-for-profit housing providers and private developers offering affordable rentals. |
| Effective Date | The new policy takes effect from July 1, 2025. |
Encouraging Affordable Housing Development
In addition to waiving infrastructure charges, the Noosa Shire Council will also remove development application fees for non-profit housing providers who are building affordable rental units. Private developers may also be eligible for fee waivers if their projects include long-term affordable housing options.
This comprehensive approach is part of a broader effort to boost the supply of affordable housing in the region, addressing the needs of key workers, older residents, and small households.
Noosa’s strategy includes upcoming planning amendments aimed at increasing the availability of smaller, affordable homes to cater to these demographic groups.
A Broader Trend in Australia
Noosa’s policy decision to scrap infrastructure charges is a standout among similar moves across the country. Property experts have long called for such changes, as they represent a simple yet effective way to increase housing availability, particularly in suburban areas.
While Noosa’s decision is a significant step forward, it remains a relatively rare example of such a policy in Australia. Other councils and regions will likely be watching closely to see the impact of this move and may consider adopting similar policies to address the ongoing housing crisis.
The Noosa Shire Council’s decision to waive infrastructure charges for secondary dwellings is a bold and strategic move aimed at alleviating the housing crisis in the region.
By saving locals up to $7,000 in application fees, this policy encourages the construction of affordable, long-term housing options, particularly for those in need of smaller, more accessible homes.
As more councils across Australia explore similar policies, Noosa’s initiative could set a precedent for future housing solutions in other parts of the country.
FAQs
What is the Noosa Shire Council’s new policy about?
Noosa has decided to waive infrastructure charges for secondary dwellings like granny flats starting July 1, 2025. This move will save locals up to $7,000 on application fees.
How does this policy help with the housing crisis?
By waiving infrastructure charges, the council encourages the construction of affordable housing, particularly for singles, couples, and older residents in need of permanent accommodation.
When will the new policy take effect?
The policy will be implemented starting July 1, 2025, with any infrastructure charge notices issued before that date still being payable.