“For over 20 years, the Noosa Farmers Market has been a cornerstone of our community, providing not only economic benefits to local farmers and producers but also fostering social interaction and a sense of belonging among residents. This expansion will help us continue to serve our community better and create even more opportunities for connection and growth.” – Shane Stanley, Director of Noosa Farmers Market

What’s New at Noosa Farmers Market?

The proposed expansion aims to enhance the market experience by extending operating hours, increasing the number of stalls, and providing additional parking. These improvements will allow more vendors to showcase their products and make it easier for visitors to enjoy all that the market has to offer.

Extended Hours of Operation

With extended hours, the market will now open earlier at 6 am, accommodating more visitors and giving you extra time to explore and purchase fresh, locally sourced produce. This change is designed to provide flexibility for both early birds and those who prefer to shop later in the day.

More Stalls, More Variety

By increasing the number of stalls, the market will offer a greater variety of goods. From organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal breads and unique handmade crafts, there will be something for everyone. This expansion supports local farmers and artisans, allowing them to reach a wider audience and thrive in our community.

Improved Parking Facilities

To ensure a hassle-free experience, the proposed plan includes the creation of additional parking spaces. This improvement will alleviate parking congestion and make it more convenient for you to visit the market, even during peak times.

The expansion of the Noosa Farmers Market will bring a range of benefits to shoppers and visitors.

Why Support the Noosa Farmers Market?

The Noosa Farmers Market is more than just a place to shop—it’s a vital part of our community. Supporting the market means:

• Boosting the Local Economy: By shopping at the farmers market, you are supporting local businesses and farmers, helping to keep our economy strong and vibrant.
• Access to Fresh, Quality Produce: The market provides access to fresh, high-quality products directly from the growers, ensuring you and your family enjoy the best nature has to offer.
• Building Community Connections: The market is a hub of community activity where you can meet the producers, learn about their farming practices, and connect with your neighbours.

“Expanding the Noosa Farmers Market is a fantastic opportunity to further support our local farmers and artisans, while also enhancing the overall market experience for our community. We are committed to ensuring that these changes meet the needs of vendors and visitors alike.” – Russell Green, Managing Director of RG Strategic

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at RG Strategic. We are here to assist and look forward to your feedback.

The post Expansion of Noosa Farmers Market appeared first on RG Strategic.

These amendments aim to address housing choice and affordability issues, potentially impacting property owners and residents across the Shire.

At their meeting on 13 May 2024, Noosa Shire’s General Committee reviewed proposed amendments and endorsed them for public notification and community consultation.

This is a critical moment for the community to get involved and have their say.

Why These Changes Matter

The proposed amendments to the Noosa Plan 2020 are designed to tackle ongoing concerns about housing diversity and affordability.

While the exact details of the amendments are confidential until their release on 31 May 2024, we know they will involve important changes to definitions, zoning adjustments, and new requirements aimed at better meeting the housing needs of Noosa Shire.

What You Can Do Now

1. Stay Informed

• Subscribe to Updates: Make sure you’re on our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates about the Noosa Plan 2020 amendments as soon as they are released.
• Read Our Analysis: Once the amendments are public, we’ll provide a detailed analysis on our blog, helping you understand what the changes mean for you.

2. Review Your Property Interests with Our Experienced Town Planners

• RG Strategic’s experienced town planners are available to review your property interests and discuss any impacts or changes that may occur due to the planning scheme amendments. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate these changes and leverage potential opportunities.
• Call us at 07 5474 3873 or email us now to book a consultation.

Why Choose RG Strategic?

With decades of experience in town planning and a deep understanding of the Noosa Plan, RG Strategic is uniquely positioned to provide expert advice and tailored solutions.

Whether you’re a resident, property owner, or developer, we can help you understand and adapt to the forthcoming changes.

Key Areas of Focus

While we await the official release of the amendments, here are some anticipated areas of change based on the Council’s review process:

• Small Dwellings Near Centres: Potential requirements for small dwellings (less than 100sqm) within close proximity to key centres.
• Secondary Dwellings in Rural Areas: Clear guidelines for secondary dwellings in Rural and Rural Residential zones.
• Relocatable Home Parks: Extending consistent use provisions for retirement facilities to include relocatable home parks.
• Simplified Approvals for Rural Dwellings: Removing several requirements for accepted development of dwelling houses in rural zones.
• Zoning Map Amendments: Potential changes affecting key locations such as Doonella Street (Tewantin), Goodchap Street (Noosaville), Carramar (Cooroy Noosa Road, Tewantin), Ben Lexcen Drive (Sunrise Beach), and Garnet Street (Cooroy).

These anticipated changes are designed to create more housing options, simplify development processes, and better meet the community’s diverse housing needs.

Get Ready for the Changes

Don’t wait until the amendments are public to start planning.

Contact RG Strategic today to discuss how these changes could impact your development and how you can prepare. Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your plans align with the new regulations.

Stay tuned for our detailed analysis once the amendments are released on 31 May 2024.

Call us at 07 5474 3873 or email us now to book your consultation.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay ahead with RG Strategic.

The post Upcoming Amendments to the Noosa Plan 2020: What You Need to Know appeared first on RG Strategic.

Time flies when you are having fun, and this month Noosa Council will review the 12-month review report of the Short Stay Letting or Home Hosted Accommodation local law.

It seems like only yesterday that the office was inundated with applicants trying to ensure they had all their ducks in a row to secure permits to operate their Airbnb or bed and breakfast.

Now, 12 months later, Council is reviewing where it’s at, what worked well, what didn’t and where improvements could or should be made.

While Council will review the report and any recommendations for future action at their March meeting, here are some spoilers.

Overwhelming demand

It comes as no surprise that council offices were inundated with applications and enquiries when the new local law was announced and applications opened.

Council received over 2700 applications in the first 12 months of the law being in place, with 1968 approvals given. This means we still have about 700 applications outstanding.

Only 55 applications were refused for a variety of reasons.

Here at RG Strategic, we can confirm that many operators of short-term accommodation offerings were confused and worried about the changes Council was applying.

When we reviewed the process and forms upon release, we certainly raised concerns with Council about the application process and requirements (and spoke about such).

You’ll be happy to know that Council has recognised these concerns and made many changes to the application forms and documentation over the duration and have stated that they are continuing to do so to make the application process easier for new applicants (though we still think some things are too complicated and onerous for casual accommodation operators).

Hotline pick up (see what we did there?)

The STA hotline received 612 calls over the last 12 months. Of those calls, 105 were about approved properties and, unsurprisingly, 199, almost double, were about unapproved properties. Council has pointed out though that some calls may have been for the same property from different neighbouring sources.

While the hotline was a significant cornerstone of the proposed law and its management when mooted, many people are forgoing the hotline and contacting Council direct.

Three hundred fifty-eight complaints were made about STA properties in the previous 12 months, but only 185 came from the hotline – just over half.

Out of those complaints, the following actions arose:

• 78 properties received a compliance letter to apply for the local law
• 33 properties received a compliance letter regarding signs
• 3 Compliance Notices issued
• 1 Show Cause Notice issued

Make sure you comply.

Council’s Planning Department has indicated that they will be ramping up compliance in the next 12 months with a focus on the following:

• signage audits
• applications from STA properties without an approval
• follow-up inspection of STA-refused properties.

What is Council proposing to do next?

There are still issues around STA properties and the impact on surrounding residents.

Council officers have identified these and have recommended steps to help address them. They highlighted a series of actions for Council to consider at their March meeting:

1. Increase staff resources to include two additional local law assessment and compliance officers temporarily to assess the backlog of applications and undertake compliance action where required;
2. Undertake compliance and enforcement action on properties operating short-stay letting or home-hosted accommodation without approval or not displaying an approval notice;
3. Introduce an annual renewal fee on 30 June 2023 for all short-stay let and home-hosted accommodation properties on a sliding scale a
4. Continue to monitor the implementation of the Short Stay Letting, or Home Hosted Accommodation local law and make improvements where needed; and
5. Continue to liaise with the multi-interest stakeholder group on implementing the local law on an as-needs basis and thank this group for their input into the review process to date.

The following general recommendations and actions were also contained in the report and arose from various stakeholder engagement activities.

Resources and fees

• Increase resources to assess the backlog of STA applications and undertake compliance action;
• Report and recommend to Council on the resourcing costs, fees and charges, including an annual renewal fee.

Compliance

• Continue to identify STAs operating without approval;
• Reduce the timeframe to apply within 14 days of being notified;
• Undertake compliance action for STA operating without approval;
• Undertake an audit and compliance action on STA approval signage;
• Require photographic evidence of approval sign for new approvals;
• Review agent signage and undertake compliance where necessary.

Information and messaging

• Continue to work with STA operators to improve the amenity outcomes for residents;
• Review Good Management Guide to determine if better guidance is required for operators on better informing guests of code of conduct obligations and ways to reduce residential amenity impacts;
• Continue to work with the hotline on clear messaging and consistency in complaints management – especially the process for STA operating without approval;
• Continue to liaise with stakeholders on the implementation of local law.

Exemptions

• Review local law exemptions as part of the Tourist Accommodation zone spatial review being separately reported to Council in the coming months.

Application process, assessment and conditions

• Review application forms to include fees and clarify building classification requirements;
• Review the examples of supporting material on the website and improve where necessary;
• Establish tighter timeframes for STA assessment and information responses from applicants;
• Better communicate the status of an application and expected assessment timelines;
• Continue to improve in-house processes, procedures and staff training for continued consistency in STA assessment and compliance actions;
• Investigate whether advice notes are required to better interpret conditions of approval and code of conduct for guest behaviour, including pool use and activity.

Website

• Review and simplify website information, including directions to fees, approvals, complaints, examples of supporting information, approval and complaints statistics and better information for residents.
• Review search engines and google searches to improve webpage optimisation.

Complaints management

• Provide a summary of complaints to property managers for STA properties on request, excluding complainant details;
• Investigate preparing a “good neighbour” guide for all residents, which could be distributed to new owners, real-estate letting agents and resident groups.

Where to from here?

We are happy to see council officers recognising these concerns and issues raised by the industry and proposing actions that appear to address concerns adequately.

Will everyone be happy? Of course not, but we must keep working toward a framework where both STA operators, their guests and neighbours can coexist happily.

If you are concerned about the STA local laws, or you would like to apply to operate a Short Term Accommodation offering, then the team at RG Strategic can ensure you meet all requirements.

Contact us today.

The post Noosa Short Stay Letting and Home Hosted Accommodation Local Law appeared first on RG Strategic.

The project proponents, Edward Street Development Pry Ltd, want to replace the aging duplex and replace it with two modern, architecturally designed three bedroom units.

Due to the demolition required by this project, it is deemed Code Assessable, and RG Strategic prepared a comprehensive report that addressed the merits of the development with regard to the provisions of the Noosa Plan 2020 and other relevant matters as prescribed in the Planning Act 2016.

The street view of the proposed 23 Edwards Street, Noosaville, construction highlights the minimal visual impact the new building will have due to creative design and strategic landscaping.

The following development codes are applicable to the project:

• Noosaville Local Plan Area Code,
• Medium Density Residential Zone Code,
• Dual Occupancy and Multiple Dwelling Code; and
• Works Codes including the Waste Management Code and the Water Quality and Drainage Code specifically for demolition

We found the development is appropriate and is not anticipated to impact the amenity of the locality.

Groundfloor and first-floor plans for the three-bedroom units show the mirroring of living areas ensuring privacy for all occupants.

The development will consist of the following:

• One unit per floor
• Unit 1 ground floor – 124.53m²,
• Unit 2 upper floor – 120.47m²,
• Garage for 4 x vehicles,
• Swimming pool on the ground floor for unit 1 and an upper-level pool for unit 2.

The 23 Edwards Street, Noosaville project will feature a pool for each unit. This render shows the location of the pool for the ground floor unit.

The first-floor unit also features its own pool set at the front of the property, cleverly separating the outdoor living areas for the two units.

Our report illustrated the adherence of the development to Noosa Plan design parameters, including site cover, building height, plot ratio, front setbacks, car parking, landscaping and fencing. We are seeking a minor relation for rear and side setbacks where there is minor encroachment by an eave and entry rooves, respectively.

In relation to the rear setback, we argue that the design complies based on the following:

• Does not cause any overlooking of private open space of neighbouring properties as the building is setback greater than the minimum distance required.
• No additional noise will emanate from the subject proposal due to the eave as the building is setback greater than the minimum required.
• Is setback sufficiently so as not to cause shading of the neighbouring property.
• Allows sufficient space for landscaping.
• Given the elevation faces west, it is a good built form outcome with no impacts on the surrounding properties.

As for the side entry relation sought, we argue they comply with the Planning Scheme based on the following:

• They will not be imposing on the surrounding properties as it is not a bulky structure as it has open sides.
• No additional noise will emanate from the site as a result of the roof as pedestrian traffic is directed to this area regardless of if being roofed or not.
• The structure is only slightly higher than a site filled fence height and will not obstruct views.
• Does not create overlooking of surrounding properties.
• Landscaping is proposed in the adjoining garden, noting the structure includes a roof top garden which contributes to the overall green setting of the development.

The proposed development also complies with the intent of the Noosaville Local Plan Code and the relevant Performance and Acceptable Outcomes.

A range of materials have been proposed for the construction sympathetic to the design character of the surrounding area including a corrugated iron roof, weatherboard wall cladding, and screening battens are used for vertical and horizontal elements that create visual interest and articulation.

The architects have done a great job in ensuring the built form proposed is harmonious with the Noosaville vernacular and represents a modern riverside design. A traditional roof design has been utilised, as well as generous eaves and garden beds on the second level to suit the subtropical climate of Noosaville. The design details a variety of external materials proposed, including a corrugated iron roof, weatherboard wall cladding and screening battens for vertical and horizontal elements that create visual interest and articulation. The development has also been designed to minimise overlooking nearby properties with strategically located screens and balconies.

RG Strategic is working with the following specialists to deliver this project:

• Architects: Tim Ditchfield Architects
• Engineers: SCG Engineering

Town Planning Expertise

RG Strategic is your town planning expert with decades of on-council and on-the-ground experience. Contact us today for all your town planning needs.

The post Duplex to Dual Occupancy for Edward Street appeared first on RG Strategic.

The project proponents, EdwardsAndCo. are already renowned for their salons in Sydney, Melbourne, Byron Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and now it’s the Sunshine Coast’s turn.

Every Edwards and Co. salon stands out with beautiful decor and fresh open lighting. Each salon has kitchenette facilities, internal bathrooms, large mirrors, and open spaces.

EdwardAndCo’s Noosaville venture will follow the style set by their other salons.

The space will feature an open-plan workspace utilised by stylists for hair cutting, colour processing, washing and treatments.

EdwardsAndCo. salons are known for their exquisite use of the space they occupy. The interior above is from their Brisbane salon.

You find EdwardsAndCo. salons in spaces you’d least expect, and their Noosaville salon is no exception. They always hide their exquisite salons behind the walls of industrial warehouses.

No alteration to the external built form is proposed. The application for a Material Change of Use to establish a Shop use (Code Assessable) comprises a reconfiguration of the internal layout of the existing showroom to accommodate:

• 6 x cutting basins,
• Colour processing table,
• Wash and treatment basins,
• Staff and storeroom,
• Staff and client amenities, and
• Kitchenette and client drinks station.

The proposed use represents an appropriate reuse of the existing showroom tenancy.

One aspect of the Change of Use application was outlining how the required car parking ( as per the Noosa Plan 2020) could be accommodated. Per the Plan, EdwardsAndCo. would be required to provide 13 car spaces, where only 6 currently exist.

As part of the application, we outlined how, through the staggered approach to hair salon appointments, and the staggering of natural peak times for the neighbouring business (fitness classes), the car parking on site will meet the needs of the Change of Use.

We highlighted that the Plan also requires motorcycle parking, but as car parking is already developed, and there is no ability to provide additional space for motorcycle spaces, it is considered unwarranted to require the applicant to provide spaces. However, in the new floor plan, the architects have cleverly provided additional scooter and bicycle parking internally.

The floorplan shows open spaces, a feature of EdwardsAndCo salons, and a clever way to get additional motorcycle parking on site.

RG Strategic is working with the following specialists to deliver this project:

• Architects: Amanda Jarvis Design Studio

Town Planning Expertise

RG Strategic is your town planning expert with decades of on-council and on-the-ground experience. Contact us today for all your town planning needs.

The post EdwardsAndCo. high-end salon approved for Noosaville appeared first on RG Strategic.

The owners of the units want to join and update units 7 and 8 in the building. These units were developed in the early 1980s and were due for some TLC.

The units on the top floor of the complex being combined at Park Road, Noosa Heads.

The application seeks approval for some minor internal and external alterations to the existing units, including:

• Joining units 7 and 8 to form one unit by removing an internal dividing wall;
• Internal renovation of the unit and furnishings;
• Connect the two individual north-facing unit balconies and add a pergola;
• Adding a new pergola over the western-facing balcony;
• Add new waterproofing to all balconies; and
• Replacing windows and doors with new aluminium framed structures.

The existing floorplan shows the two units that the client wishes to combine.

The new floorplan for Park Road, Noosa Heads, shows how the two units are cleverly combined to make one 4-bedroom unit with the addition of a master bedroom with a large ensuite and walk-in wardrobe and the expansion of much-needed living space.

As this is a Minor Change application, RG Strategic needed to show that the change did not result in a “substantially different” development. We provided comment and evidence on nine separate factors to show the change was not substantially different, including whether the development:

• Involved a new use;
• Resulted in the application applying to a new parcel of land;
• Dramatically changed the built form in terms of scale, bulk, and appearance;
• Changed the ability of the proposal to operate as intended;
• Removed a component that is integral to the operation of the development;
• Significantly impacted on traffic flow and the transport network, such as increasing traffic to the site;
• Introduced new impacts or increases the severity of known impacts;
• Removed an incentive or offset component that would have balanced a negative impact of the development; or
• Impacted on infrastructure provisions

The renovation is primarily internal, and the only external works are pergolas over the existing balconies.

The design replaces existing glazing resulting in an improved external appearance with no amenity impacts on the surrounding units or developments.

The development is minor in nature, is architecturally pleasing and complies with the planning scheme’s relevant Acceptable and Performance outcomes.

Council saw it the same way and approved the change.

RG Strategic is working with the following specialists to deliver this project:

• Architects: Andrew Bock Architecture

Town Planning Expertise

RG Strategic is your town planning expert with decades of on-council and on-the-ground experience. Contact us today for all your town planning needs.

The post Combining two units creates room to move. appeared first on RG Strategic.

The application is to seek approval for a Development Permit for a Material Change of Use for an Indoor Sport and Recreation use.

The project’s proponents, KX Pilates, plan to convert the existing retail space into a new pilates studio.

As the site is included in a Medium Impact Industry Zone and the Venture Drive Enterprise Precinct, the proposed change triggered a Code Assessment.

The proposed use will be within the existing building within the Venture Drive Enterprise Precinct of the Noosaville Industrial Estate. The existing building is intended to remain unchanged with the exception of a minor internal reconfiguration. The proposed pilates studio will comprise:

• 46m² of reception area,
• 96m² of pilates reformer area, including 14 x reformer beds, and
• 64m² of amenities, storage and office area.

The existing paints retail space will be converted into a reformer pilates studio

RG Strategic prepared the application and required responses to the Code Assessment to help ensure a positive outcome for KX Pilates.

Our report covered:

• Proposed development intent;
• Description of the characteristics of site and surrounds;
• Proposed development details;
• An assessment of the proposal against the State planning interests;
• An assessment of the proposal against the Noosa Plan 2020; and
• A conclusion that summarises the grounds which support the proposed development.

Only minimal changes internally are required for the pilates studio, with the exterior remaining untouched with the exception of some signage updates and application

KX Pilates’ expansion into Noosaville brings the New Zealand and Australian brand to health-conscious consumers on the Sunshine Coast.

The post New pilates studio for Noosaville Industrial Estate appeared first on RG Strategic.

The Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles announced the surprise move yesterday (Thursday, 22 September), allowing Queenslanders to lease their granny flats on the rental market to create thousands of new housing options.

The initiative was suggested by stakeholders at a pre-housing summit roundtable last week to address the housing crisis. 

Given the state’s housing shortfall urgency, the planning change will skip the regular consultation stages. Mr Miles said the government would revisit the policy in three years to assess its suitability properly.

Our take on granny flat rentals

As a Noosa Housing Strategy Stakeholder Reference Group (HSRG) member, I am certainly excited to see the details as they come through. It is great leadership from the state to take on board what local governments have advocated for over the past 12 months to address the current housing crisis.

We are yet to see the fine print, but we expect this initiative to be enacted similarly to the planning instruments used during COVID-19, including an amendment or inclusion within the State Planning Regulations.

Each council will need to review the details as they emerge to determine what may be required to change within their own planning schemes. 

It may be as simple as a) changes within definitions; b) to amendments of Performance and Acceptable outcomes that sit within their particular planning scheme.

Not every property will be a winner in this circumstance but it provides those properties that already have an existing secondary dwelling/granny flat to be able to commence this use shortly.

Existing secondary dwellings will need to comply with existing fire and building provisions.

If you are considering adding a secondary dwelling to your property be aware that the state government has foreshadowed a review of this change in three years. 

RG Strategic will review all documentation and information supplied by the department and local governments so we can provide a clear, simple-to-understand process for existing or new constructions to ensure you are complying as required.

The post Granny flat rentals to expand housing options appeared first on RG Strategic.

In Brief

• Noosa Shire Council is facing a housing crisis
• Council have developed a new Draft Housing Strategy
• The draft Strategy is now open for community comment
• A Housing Stakeholder Reference Group (HSRG) has been established and has had its first meeting
• The HSRG will work with Council on implementing the Housing Strategy
• RG Strategic Director, Russell Green, has been selected to sit on the HSRG

Noosa is facing a housing crisis

The lack of affordable housing in the Shire has been blamed for keeping out workers and forcing some businesses to shrink or close altogether.

Noosa isn’t the first council to face these challenges as the region’s popularity skyrockets.

Byron Bay faces the same challenges, and in that location, some businesses have taken the extreme measure of bussing staff to work from neighbouring areas.

During peak seasons, some businesses are forced to source staff from further away and put them up in accommodation.

Housing stock pressured

The challenge hasn’t just been created by an influx of new money from metropolitan centres, increasing demand and hence price for housing in the Shire.

It is, for a better word, a perfect storm of a number of factors which include interstate migration due to COVID, some properties through platforms such as Airbnb going into the short-term accommodation market, limited land supplies, underdevelopment of land that has potential for greater density and simply the desirability for those at the end of their working career to seek a place in the sun for retirement.

The crisis will worsen

In December 2021 council endorsed a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA). The HNA identified seven key issues to be addressed in any amendments to Noosa’s Planning Scheme.

These issues are:

• Housing affordability, especially for low-income households and critical workers;
• A lack of accessible or adaptable housing for older people and people with special needs;
• A mismatch of housing size and household size (albeit some may be by choice or circumstance);
• A shortage of affordable and appropriate aged accommodation;
• A lack of housing diversity, particularly smaller dwellings;
• Low levels of social and emergency housing;
• A conflict between resident and visitor accommodation.

We know that housing affordability in the Shire has been impacted. We also know that not enough has been done to accommodate a growing need for housing for our older generation and those with special needs.

The significant finding in the report is the mismatch of housing size versus household size.

The highest proportion of two-person households live in 3 bedroom houses.

The second-largest proportion of two-person households live in 4 bedroom houses. The report does highlight that this may be either through choice or circumstance, but it’s a challenge for Council in any case.

In addition, there’s a need for an additional 6400 dwellings in the Shire over the next 20 years. With limited developable land available, this adds to the challenge faced by Noosa Council.

The HNA report correctly points out the challenges and opportunities faced by Council:

• Meeting the housing needs of residents in the light of competing demand for tourist accommodation;
• Making optimal use of remaining land through smaller lot sizes and minimum density requirements for attached dwellings in some locations;
• Considering new built form controls and any appropriate incentives to achieve objectives while preserving the integrity of the Noosa Plan;
• Exploring new and innovative solutions, some of which may be challenging to accept;
• Considering other ways to pursue housing objectives.

Council acts with draft housing strategy

There is a need for Council to intervene and develop a plan that will accommodate the need for affordable housing and deliver the additional dwellings needed over the next two decades.

The first step Council took was to endorse the HNA report. Council has now taken the second step and developed a Draft Housing Strategy, which is now subject to community consultation.

Noosa Shire Council’s Draft Housing Strategy aims to address the pressing housing crisis impacting the region.

The Draft Housing Strategy outlines Council’s role in delivering better housing outcomes to meet the diverse needs of people in the Shire. Council has recognised its role to monitor this challenge; advocate for increased investment in the supply of affordable housing; plan and regulate to ensure appropriate provisioning of housing and housing choice; and partner with State and Commonwealth governments to increase the provision of social and community housing.

Council, however, does also make it clear that it will not become a direct housing provider.

Have your say

You can now have your say on the draft Strategy by accessing the survey form on Council’s website.

We encourage everyone to review the draft housing strategy and then lodge any relevant comments or concerns via the community feedback portal.

Community feedback is sought until 7 August 2022.

Housing strategy outcomes and actions

The draft Housing Strategy outlines several outcomes and actions that will help Council address the housing crisis.

Broadly, these outcomes are:

• Noosa community benefits from industry expertise, best practice and local knowledge in the housing sector;
• Sufficient housing is provided to accommodate the planned population of the Shire;
• New housing is located in areas that are accessible and well-connected to services, employment, and infrastructure;
• Development and redevelopment for housing is diverse, meeting varied and changing needs of people across their life;
• Housing is available for all members of the Noosa Shire community, including individuals and households on low to moderate incomes;
• Housing is well designed and adds to residents’ safety, security and wellbeing;
• Housing is enduring and resilient to natural processes and changes without putting people or property at risk of hazards;
• Sustainable tourism accommodation is facilitated where it is complementary to, and compatible with other land uses, including housing, and maintains a community’s sense of place.

A Housing Strategy Stakeholder Reference Group

The third step was establishing a Housing Stakeholder Reference Group (HSRG), which will work with Council on implementing the Housing Strategy and a range of housing issues.

The HSRG seeks to draw on local expertise and will include representation from a variety of sectors, including:

• State member/s;
• Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy;
• QShelter;
• Registered Community Housing Providers;
• NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation providers;
• Residential Care providers;
• Homelessness support services;
• Business and Tourism sector;
• Permanent Rental Property Managers;
• Local private housing developers.

Council has selected RG Strategic owner and director Russell Green to sit on the HSRG as a local town planning consultant and we are excited to be part of this group to help Council promote, shape and implement the new housing strategy.

First meeting outcomes

The first meeting of the HSRG has met, and it was refreshing to see such a broad, representative group come together to tackle this crisis.

We believe that a bold approach is required in order to have an impact on this issue. Nothing should be off the table, including a review of the current planning scheme informed by the population and housing data we already have access to.

We also echo the sentiments of other representatives of the group including:

• Getting information about the draft housing strategy to as many people as possible;
• Council’s response needs to be rapid, but we recognise that a change in available housing stock will take years to appear;
• Many who are affected – renters, low-income residents – will be less likely to participate in the community engagement process so additional attention needs to be given to this cohort;
• The need for community champions to help amplify the message and Council’s response.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, this housing crisis is one of the most challenging and urgent problems Council faces.

There are inherent risks in addressing a crisis that will play out over 20 years or more by looking at what has been done and what can be done today.

But this is a step in the right direction. Council needs to act and is doing so. The key now is to ensure we can get all the respective parties to the table and make decisions for the whole of the community for today and tomorrow.

The post Will Noosa’s new housing strategy deliver? appeared first on RG Strategic.

This is just a small selection of projects out of the many the team has worked on in 2021, but these projects stick in our minds. They were either unique, challenging in a particular way, important for the local community, or just really fun to work on.

Come back throughout the month to see more projects as we add them here.

Twelfth Day – “Café Le Monde”

Since ‘86 Café Le Monde has greeted early risers, fresh from their first-morning surf, with famed coffees and delicious breakfast treats, and bid good night to many a late-night reveller at the end of our live music gigs. Working around the clock to serve tasty food at fair prices to locals and visitors alike, we’re proud of our history and honoured to be thought of as a Hastings Street icon.

RG Strategic worked with CLM and Frank Macchia, their design team, to deliver a project that befits the location, history and reputation of CLM.  Town planning applications were lodged and negotiated to deliver a new look, feel and open welcomeness to the pods and rooftop space.

Council officers supported the application with approval in December and we are now working towards a 2022 commencement of construction.

“I have contracted Russell Green for town planning matters during the past 8 years. Russell and RG Strategic are very knowledgeable and professional. They provide a thorough and effective service managing council applications. The approvals process can be stressful and costly – Russell and his team absorb a lot of the stress. They communicate well so you can sleep at night! I am happy to recommend RG Strategic.”

Ryan Taylor

Eleventh Day – “Sum Yung Guys”

RG Strategic worked with Sum Yung Guys for five years on all of their projects, looking after all approvals, liquor licensing, town planning, food premises. For their new venture we looked at the existing building the team had chosen and what was required.

An internal refresh and refurb ensuring an exceptional customer experience were paramount. Adding new external toilets provided more internal dining space, but to achieve this we required a change to the existing town planning approval for the new amenities. How this could be achieved around existing large eucalypts was one of the challenges we faced. We developed a construction management plan and techniques to minimise any disturbance to the trees and their roots helping to maintain their integrity. Council supported our approach and subsequently granted our town planning approval.

Internally we amended the existing liquor licence and transferred it to SYG, modified and improved the kitchen including a new cold room, and gaining Council food premises sign off.

The new building and ongoing partnership with SYG is one that enables the team at SYG to do what they do well. The team at RG Strategic help SYG manage and ensure operational compliance for all liquor and food licensing requirements.

The team at Sum Yung Guys has been using RG Strategic for over 5 years now with the multiple ventures we have done. Russell is always our first call when we have any questions regarding licensing, town planning, compliance and complaints or council questions. RG Strategic have always been forthcoming in answering and assisting us at Godspeed. Nothing has ever been too big or small for them to assist and accomplish for us and will continue to work with to accomplish anything we require. We look forward to continuing our relationship and having them assist us in the future and would recommend them highly to anyone needing assistance.

Team SYG

Tenth Day – “Paradise Rum”

What’s a beautiful coastal location like ours without its own rum distillery? That was a question the founders of Paradise Rum had asked when they came to RG Strategic to help them with the establishment of a distillery come bar in Warana on the Sunshine Coast.

Our challenge was to keep the town planning to within current allowances (accepted development) in the existing industrial building. The team at RG also assisted with the establishment of the distillery including liaison with the Government for an excise licence, and a strategy for growth starting with small scale distillation with capacity and ability to grow.

The recently opened venue has enjoyed great success already and we are now assisting with applications for future expansion.

Russell and the team at RG Strategic were most helpful assisting our business Paradise Rum to navigate the challenges associated with obtaining our liquor licenses, food premise, building and plumbing approvals. The team kept us up to date with every step of the process. We will have no hesitation utilising their services with our future projects.

Chris Clyne – Paradise Rum

Ninth Day – “The Barrel”

The Barrel is an iconic tourist attraction at Clouds Vineyards Maleny. 2021 saw The Barrel receive a much-needed refurbishment and expansion with a new exterior; complete renovation, fit-out and refurbishment internally.

New indoor function areas on both levels of the building were also added along with new wine tasting and bar areas.

A new commercial kitchen was also built and an adventure playground for the kids was added as well.

RG Strategic have been working with the Clouds Group for a number of years, assisting with all aspects of town planning and development applications helping bring their vision and dreams to fruition. This has included town planning applications for their eco-resort including a function room, café and restaurant, and accommodation, liquor license applications, food premises applications, building and plumbing applications.

The Clouds Group looks to establish long term partnerships with the consultancies we use for our properties. RG Strategic and Russell Green has been the perfect fit for us now for over 5 years. Their skilled town planners are able to cover off on all aspects of our development applications including liquor licensing, food premises, building and plumbing. With Russell’s extensive local knowledge and strong tourism and development background we know all of our venues are in safe hands. We will be continuing our partnership with RG Strategic well into the future.

Clouds Group

Eighth Day – “Noosa Council Short Term Accommodation Changes”

One of the biggest jobs this year for the team has been delving into Noosa Council’s Short Term Accommodation Town Planning and Local Laws changes. From the initial period of public comment in April, analysing the proposed changes to determine the impacts on STA operators, assisting current operators meet compliance, and now, as the changes are final, helping operators and property owners meet the stringent requirements put in place by council.

Our team continues to work with operators in securing their continued operations by preparing and managing all of their application requirements as the new Local Laws commence in 2022.

You can read more about our Noosa Council Short Term Accommodation Local Laws work here.

I can’t recommend highly enough Russell Green (Town Planning Consultant) and his team at RG Strategic. Noosa is challenged currently by proposed changes to our town plan, which will potentially seriously impact our future economic growth. As a manager of one of Queensland’s largest luxury accommodation providers, based in Noosa and representing more than 200 individual property investors, Russell has been an invaluable resource as we seek to ensure they are well informed as to these proposed impacts to their property values and use. His experience as a Councillor and Planner within Council gives him unique access and insight which serves to save time and cost when seeking his advice and expertise.

Sue Willis, Managing Director, R&W Noosa Holidays

Seventh Day – “Tingirana”

Tingirana, a stunning unit complex right on the beach at Noosa, caters to both live in apartment owners and managed accommodation units.

The managers of the accommodation component wanted to provide the next level of indulgence for their guests. They approached RG Strategic to help them obtain a liquor license that would allow them to serve alcohol in the complex common areas such as the pool and reception areas.

Liquor licenses are normally not approved for strata-titled complexes unless all owners agree to the operation of bar services on the premises. RG Strategic was able to make an argument allowing the license to be granted without full owner approval.

RG Strategic delivered a rare liquor license for the management rights owners allowing them to provide alcohol in the strata-titled complex’s common areas.

Sixth Day – “Bounce Noosa”

Bounce Noosa opened its doors to visitors in 2021. The upmarket hostel-style development was the first to find a way to make an old site viable for an accommodation venture.

The unique solution involved building Noosaville’s first underground carpark using a unique solution from Flow Defense. The installation of an innovative flood barrier allowed Bounce Hostel to provide the required car parking and ensure the site aboveground stayed sympathetic to the locality and environment.

RG Strategic delivered RG Strategic the Material Change of Use (MCU) application and the Operational Works (OPW) application. We prepared and submitted all paperwork for the Liquor Licence, Food Premises Licence, Building Approval, and Plumbing Approval.

Read more about the project in our Bounce Noosa Town Planning Case Study.

“We have worked with Russell and his team for the last four years on a project in Noosaville. The level of service, guidance and regular advice helped navigate the way through a complicated project. I can highly recommend RG Strategic and I look forward to working with them in the future.”

Mark Baldwin – Bounce Noosa

Fifth Day – “Belvedere on Pearl”

Belvedere on Pearl is a stunning new townhouse development in Cooroy nestled in the Noosa Hinterland.

An exclusive collection of 11 residences is being developed where the focus is on a low maintenance lifestyle without compromise.

In addition to all town planning, operational works applications, and conditions negotiations specific to the development, we were able to solve major stormwater site issues. It allowed the developer to proceed with the development while still meeting all local council stipulations.

Russell and the Team at RG Strategic went above and beyond to ensure a smooth and efficient application and approval process on our townhouse development in Cooroy. Russell helped solve significant stormwater issues by coordinating meetings and correspondence with the Councils engineering team ultimately leading to operation works approval far quicker than our program allowed for. I highly recommend Russell to anyone seeking planning advice on the Sunshine Coast.

Josh Overell – Belvedere on Pearl

Fourth Day – “The Junction Coolum”

The developers of The Junction Coolum presented RG Strategic with a town planning challenge. The previous development application had lapsed but the developer’s timeline meant there was no time to run through a new application process.

The team at RG reviewed the lapsed application and council requirements and delivered a solution cutting the usual development application timeline by months.

Read more about the project in our The Junction Coolum overview.

RG Strategic delivered all town planning application requirements including the Change of Use application to deliver the project efficiently, and the Operational Works Application.

“The prompt advice and expertise of the RG Strategic team at the town planning stage, has allowed us to push forward with our developments far quicker than we had expected, through a far shorter Council approval process, and this has resulted in significant cost savings. This prompt and valuable advice has extended to the operational works and hydraulics requirements of the development, and we look forward to a long relationship with RG Strategic.”

Hayden Rooney – The Junction Coolum

Third Day – “Noosa Enduro”

Noosa Enduro is a chance for Noosa to shine on the national cycling stage. Having been on hiatus for 10 years the event returned for a COVID-19 shortened run in 2021.

The event is back for 2022 and RG Strategic has again come onboard providing tourism and event advice and support

By supporting Noosa Enduro with risk management, permits, and approvals, we help the organisers focus on what they are good at… putting on a world-class event right here in our own backyard.

“When we made the decision to re-launch the Noosa Enduro, Russell and his team at RG Strategic was the first phone call we made. Russell’s immense knowledge of the local council landscape and processes were vital to our event to ensure correct planning, applications and permits were in place. The professionalism shown throughout all of our high-level dealings and documents elevated our event and helped provide confidence to all key stakeholders. I’m thrilled we made the decision to engage Russell and the team at RG Strategic and I will remain a client for many years to come.”

Matt Wilson – Noosa Enduro

Second Day – “Noosa Learn to Surf”

Noosa Learn to Surf school was established in 1995 by former 2 x Australian and World Pro Am Champion, Merrick Davis and is Noosa’s longest-running surf school.

Merrick and his team deliver undoubtedly some of the best surf lessons in Australia. We jumped at the chance to assist Noosa Learn to Surf secure commercial access to public lands to continue what is an iconic Noosa business.

RG Strategic undertook the preparation of their 2021 tender application to Noosa Council for a permit to have commercial use of public lands for their surf school. This included preparation and collation of all council tender document requirements including developing a new Environmental Procurement Policy.

We have had the pleasure of working with Russell and his team for over 8 years. Russell has been instrumental in helping us secure many Council tender submissions which can be extremely stressful, daunting and time-consuming when done on your own. Russell’s knowledge of local council laws and processes are second to none. We have confidently recommended RG Strategic to other businesses in the past and will continue to do so. Russell is the utmost professional, easy to talk to and overall a great guy. We look forward to engaging Russell in our next Council tender application.”

Merrick & Elissa Davis – Noosa Learn to Surf

First Day – “BIRD  .”

BIRD . is without a doubt the finest in charcoal chicken Noosa and the Sunshine Coast has to offer. We spoke to Chris and Peter about their uncompromising vision and what their dream was when conceiving BIRD.

For us, this project hinged on their vision… from the specific rotisserie imported direct from Spain (that had to be installed before the front wall of the shop could be constructed), the select chickens and charcoal… and the fact that you can pick up a bottle of Montrachet wine with your chook endeared the team wholeheartedly to this project.

A great project and a great addition to the Noosa culinary selections.

RG Strategic provided assistance with Food Premises, Liquor Licensing, Plumbing Applications, and Project Management.

“Working with Russell was a breeze. We weren’t on-site every day. But we just let it run, and they all knew what to do. It was a very pleasant experience.”

BIRD  .

Start your 2022 project right…

Talk to the team at RG Strategic about your town planning, liquor licensing, building development, or tourism and event needs today.

The post Our 12 Days of Projects 2021 appeared first on RG Strategic.

RG Strategic’s town planners have been poring over the documents to date but, while we are happy to start seeing some details, we still have questions. These new laws are not something to be taken lightly as interpreting and implementing them incorrectly can cost you your opportunity to operate short term accommodation in Noosa.

We’ve already met with council to further understand council’s requirements and it goes without saying that there’s a lot of info and it can be quite confusing.

Below we have summarised the current requirements as we have been able to document them. But until the final application form is released, we can only make an informed judgment on the requirements.

Note that a one-off application for approval is required for all short stay let properties, requiring an annual renewal while the property continues to be used for short-stay letting.

It should be noted that council separate short term accommodation and home-hosted accommodation, which includes bed and breakfast style offerings or hosting people in a spare room. An application is still required for these types of operations but some requirements are different. Find out more on council’s website. The information required for an application is very similar to STA applications with only minor omissions such as contact person information for complaints as it is expected there will be a person onsite to direct any complaint to initially.

24/7 Complaints

The change with a big impost is one we highlight here. The requirement of individual operators living within 20km of the property that we raised our concern about in our original discussion of these changes is still there. This effectively means that anyone who operates STA will need to live within 20 kilometres of the premise or they will have to engage a property manager within that radius who will become the nominated contact. This will add an extra impost to the cost of operating STA.

Once approved, you will be required to display a notice showing approval at the front of the property. If you are in a complex you will need to abide by body corporate laws. The notice will need to include a 24/7 complaints hotline number and approval number.

In the first instance, all complaints will be directed to Council’s 24/7 hotline. Council will then contact the responsible person for the property. This person must attend to the complaint within 30 minutes of them receiving the complaint.

Naturally, this raises a number of additional concerns.

If there is more than one property offering STA in a complex, how will the complainant know which specific property is the cause of their complaint? How will council address the issues when they receive a complaint about a whole unit block and not an individual property? How will council address vexatious complainants who may just be protesting an approved STA operator?

There are a lot of questions yet to be answered but we have some serious concerns about how this complaints process will be administered.

Our Other Questions and Concerns

The new local laws require you to submit a site plan for the property that you are applying for. This includes the requirement to show each window and door of any adjoining residence.

To date no information has been provided as to the detail required in these plans or what council, in this instance, classifies as an adjoining residence. What detail is required in these site plans of the neighbouring properties? Will operators be required to gain access to neighbouring properties to accurately survey windows and doors and document precisely placements and measurements, or is a “mud map” acceptable?

Currently, how accurate these plans need to be and the level of detail has not been stipulated.

There’s also a requirement for full public liability insurance for an amount of at least $10 million. Now some, if not all, residential building insurance policies include a legal liability cover but in many cases, they also include exclusions if you are operating a business from the premises insured. We would advise all operators to discuss their insurance cover with their provider to ensure they have the appropriate cover required by council.

Once we see the final application form (due early next year) we can provide concrete advice and assistance when progressing an application for short term accommodation in Noosa. Until then we’ll continue to liaise with council to ensure we have the latest information to help our clients get all their ducks in a row before applications open.

What information is required to make an application for STA approval?

An application form must be completed and application fees paid*.

The following information must also be provided with the application:

• A plan of the premises
  • a site plan showing the location of all buildings including any outdoor entertainment area, swimming pool or spa, vehicle parking area and the location of each window and door opening of any adjoining residence;
  • a floor plan showing the use of each room and the maximum number of people to be accommodated in each bedroom.
• Confirmation the premises can be lawfully used for short stay letting
  • by a development approval; or
  • as accepted development or accepted development subject to requirements in Noosa Plan 2020; or
  • by existing use rights; and
  • complies with development approval conditions or if for existing use rights, the relevant planning scheme requirements at the time the short stay letting use commenced.
• Confirmation
  • the premises will not be used as a party house;
  • the premises is lawfully constructed and classified for its use;
  • a current pool safety certification has been issued by a licensed QBCC pool safety inspector; and
  • a current electrical safety certification for the smoke alarms has been issued by a licensed electrical contractor.
• Contact person information
  • name and telephone number of the contact person responsible for the premises (may include an individual, letting agency, property manager, security firm or the like);
  • confirmation the contact person is:
  • available 24 hours a day 7 days per week;
  • within 20km of the premises; and
  • responsible for the premises including addressing complaints and visitor queries.

*Fees have been waived until June 30, 2022

The bullets above outline the information required for the application. As discussed we await more specific detail about some of these points.

We also note that currently there are additional requirements not highlighted in the application process such as the development of a Code of Conduct for guests. You also need to make available upon request a register of complaints and a register of guests.

Short Stay and Short Term Accommodation Town Planning Consultants

We still have questions and we continue to engage with council to clarify some of the questions we have raised today and in the past. As we get closer and closer to the implementation of these new laws we can understand why many operators are concerned about meeting council’s requirements precisely.

Don’t risk your STA operation. Make sure you talk to the experts at RG Strategic. We’ll handle all facets of your application and approval.

The RG Strategic town planning team have invested the time to understand the new laws and how they need to be interpreted and applied. If you have any concerns about your application, ensuring you meet requirements so you can continue your operation, talk to us today. We are here to help.

Feature Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash

The post New Short Term Accommodation Laws in Noosa – What you need to Know! appeared first on RG Strategic.

READ ABOUT THE PUBLISHED CHANGES TO THE STA LAWS IN OUR LATEST ARTICLE

Our team is currently poring over the document identifying any changes to the initially proposed rules and any new rules that may have appeared as well.

We expect a lot of discussion and opinions to enter the public sphere before this is tabled at Tuesday’s Planning and Environment Committee meeting.

You can download the Council report here.

Subscribe to our email newsletter and be one of the first to receive our analysis, insights, and opinion of the proposed changes.

Subscribe now here.

We’ll also publish our thoughts here as soon as we can.

The post Noosa Council Releases Short Stay Accommodation Report appeared first on RG Strategic.