Community
15 August, 2024
Focus on housing stock
SURPLUS council and state land will be assessed for housing use as part of Cassowary Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s new plan to expand local housing supply to meet community needs and growth targets.
The ‘Local Housing Action Plan 2024-2029’ (LHAP) identifies four primary focus areas and thirty-two specific actions designed to enhance housing supply, diversity, and accessibility across the Cassowary Coast region.
Development, planning and the environment councillor Jeff Baines said expanding housing options to meet diverse community needs was a key feature of the plan.
“Our region offers one of the world’s most enviable lifestyles, thanks to its natural beauty and economic opportunities, however, people can’t move here and thrive without somewhere to live,” he said.
“Key measures within the plan include the assessment of local and state surplus land for housing use, exploration of secondary dwelling options, and the development of a ‘Key Worker Housing Strategy’ for the region.
“We’re also planning to divest certain community housing properties to enhance management efficiency under the Queensland Government and registered housing providers.
“Through the plan we’ll be advocating to secure funding and support for housing projects as part of our commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive communities where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.”
The plan was developed in collaboration with the Queensland Government, the Local Government Association of Queensland and key community stakeholders to address pressing housing challenges within the region.
The council is to establish a local housing action plan working group of key representatives from the council, relevant state agencies, key stakeholders and community organisations, to oversee and progress actions, review findings, report quarterly on progress and further develop the LHAP in an open partnership to address the housing challenge.
The four focus areas are:
Housing supply and diversity – Expanding housing options to meet diverse community needs.
Housing to support the local workforce – Developing housing solutions for key workers, including initiatives aligned with the PALM Scheme and other visa holders.
Housing for First Nations, people with disabilities, and an older population – Ensuring inclusive housing solutions that cater to specific community groups.
Social and affordable housing – Increasing the availability of affordable housing and supporting vulnerable populations.
A copy of the plan is on the council’s website at https://bit.ly/4dy2Xkq
