Advancing efforts to tackle housing and homelessness

Council has released a 2024 progress update report that highlights achievements made as part of the Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2023.

Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said substantial strides had been made in delivering affordable housing and supporting those in need.

“We are reinforcing our dedication to creating a more inclusive and supportive community and the outcomes in this report reflect this,” Cr Law said.

“New dwellings, land identification, development incentives, supporting temporary accommodation and working with the Queensland Government are some of the efforts underway to help us tackle housing and homelessness in our region.

“The report outlines a comprehensive approach to tackling housing and homelessness which includes the launch of Street Up – a Lived Experience Inclusion Project where the collaborative effort involves individuals with first-hand experience of homelessness.

Housing for Key Workers

Fellow Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said key workers on the Sunshine Coast played a vital role in the local economy, particularly in health, social assistance, retail and hospitality sectors.

“Key workers make up about 70 per cent of the workforce, with most living and working within the region,” Cr Bunnag said.

“Despite their importance, they face challenges such as lower median incomes and higher housing stress due to rising house prices and rental costs.

“A new report calls for collaborative efforts to expand affordable housing and implement financial assistance programs and Council will continue to work with government agencies to ensure affordable housing availability.”

Read the full Key Workers in Sunshine Coast report on Council’s website.

Report outcomes:

Delivering affordable housing

In partnership with the Queensland Government’s $2 billion Housing Investment Fund, Council has finalised proposals and started delivering affordable housing on underutilised Council land. This initiative includes the development of four three-bedroom houses, seven two-bedroom houses and 11 one-bedroom secondary dwellings at Marcoola. These prefabricated homes are set to be available for rent to eligible low-income households by June 2025.

Council continues to explore additional opportunities for residential development on other underutilised properties, ensuring a steady pipeline of affordable housing.

Land identification and utilisation

Council has updated its land audit, identifying parcels of land potentially suitable for social housing development. This proactive approach ensures that available land is effectively utilised to meet the growing demand for affordable housing.

Innovative delivery models

Council has successfully secured agreements with the Queensland Government’s Housing Investment Fund and is exploring further opportunities with the Federal Government’s National Housing Accord. These efforts aim to maximise the delivery of affordable housing through innovative funding and delivery models.

Supporting temporary and crisis accommodation

In collaboration with the Queensland Government Department of Housing, Council continues to investigate opportunities for additional crisis and/or transitional accommodation for families and individuals in urgent need. These initiatives would offer interim solutions while long-term housing options are being developed.

Community-led initiatives and advocacy

Council remains committed to facilitating and supporting community-led initiatives, such as the Housing with Dignity project, which provides transitional housing for women. Additionally, Council actively participates in the Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Network, working with partners to build capacity and respond effectively to homelessness. 

Future planning and development

Council is preparing a new Planning Scheme, currently undergoing a State Interest Review, which will influence future settlement patterns, housing forms and major infrastructure delivery. This scheme is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025, following formal public consultation and subject to the State Government Planning Minister’s approval.

Development incentives

To support the not-for-profit sector, Council has continuously provided development incentives, including infrastructure charge rebates and reduced development application fees. These incentives aim to encourage the delivery of affordable housing and essential community services.

Building capacity and knowledge

Council is dedicated to building capacity within the community and its own organisation. Initiatives include the Priority Residential Assessment Service, which streamlines the assessment process for residential development applications and ongoing support for community organisations navigating planning and building regulations.  Council has introduced the provision of Amenity Passes for free showers at Aquatic Centres.

Community education and engagement

Council has developed the Lived Experience Inclusion Project, to amplify and elevate the voices of those with lived experience of homelessness to improve understanding and inform policy and practice. This group has extended into a co-designed initiative called Street Up. An educational video and training sessions have been conducted to raise awareness and foster community participation in addressing homelessness. Council has funded a Public Space Liaison Officer role to support people experiencing homelessness in public spaces.

Commitment to advocacy

Council continues to advocate for increased investment in social and affordable housing from the Federal and State governments. Efforts include seeking additional resources for homelessness support services and ensuring that major projects, such as the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, do not exacerbate housing stress.

For more information on Council’s initiatives and progress, please visit Council’s website to read the full report.