Housing Affordability

We asked for feedback on options for facilitating affordable housing that are suitable for our Whitsunday lifestyle. We asked residents on their thoughts about encouraging smaller lot sizes, dual occupancies, multiple dwellings, dwelling diversity in subdivisions, higher density zones and mixed uses (units above shops and offices). Diversifying the housing supply promotes affordable rental and home ownership options for everyone.

Feedback identified support for current minimum lot sizes, lot diversity in subdivisions, mixed use development, reduced red tape for multiple dwellings / dual occupancies in Low density zones and increased maximum floor area of secondary dwellings.

Please see the Consultation Summary below, which outlines some of the key results from the community.

Consultation results were considered by Council at the 23/11/2022 Council Meeting. A detailed response to submitters has been provided within the Submission Analysis Report to demonstrate how feedback will be integrated into future Planning Scheme Amendments.

Council will develop two Planning Scheme amendment packages next year, focusing upon:

1. Minimum lot sizes for dual occupancies and increased floor area for Secondary dwellings;

2. Introduction of Medium density residential zone and incentivise mixed use accommodation and commercial development.