Let’s set the scene: for the first time in history, the median home price across Australia has soared past the $1 million mark. Things aren’t much rosier for renters, with record-high prices making finding a place to call home more challenging.
It’s no wonder councils are feeling the pressure to act. In response, some regions have started thinking outside the box—literally.
Local governments are looking for ways to ease the squeeze, from allowing people to live in caravans and tiny homes on private property to fast-tracking approvals for secondary dwellings.
Noosa Shire Council is leading the charge with a policy that’s as practical as it is generous. From 1 July, landowners in Noosa can build secondary dwellings—think granny flats, garden studios, or small backyard homes—without paying the usual infrastructure charges.
These fees, which typically run to about $7,000 per application, are designed to cover the extra strain on local roads, water, sewerage, and community services with more people living in an area.
But with the housing crisis reaching fever pitch, Noosa’s council has decided to waive these charges for new secondary dwellings, provided they’re used for permanent accommodation (so, no listing them on Airbnb or other short-term rental sites).
The hope is that by removing this financial barrier, more locals will be encouraged to build and rent out granny flats, offering a lifeline to singles, couples, and older residents struggling to find affordable, long-term housing.
‘This change takes effect from the new financial year, so any infrastructure charge notices issued prior to 1 July are still payable,’ explained Richard MacGillivray, Noosa’s director of development and regulation.
A national trend—but Noosa’s leading the way
Noosa’s move isn’t happening in isolation. Across Australia, other states are also making it easier to build secondary dwellings:
- In Victoria, since December 2023, homeowners can build a small second dwelling (up to 60 square metres) without a planning permit, as long as the land is over 300 square metres and not affected by environmental or flood overlays.
- In Western Australia, starting in April 2024, granny flats are allowed on any residential lot without planning approval, provided they meet local setback requirements and stay under 70 square metres.
But while these changes are helping, Noosa’s decision to scrap infrastructure charges altogether is a standout move that could inspire other councils to follow suit.
More than just granny flats
Noosa’s council isn’t stopping at granny flats. They’re also waiving development application fees for not-for-profit housing providers building affordable rentals, and private developers may be eligible for fee waivers if their projects include long-term affordable rental units.
‘We realise building affordable rental premises needs to stack up financially, given the cost of land and construction, so these incentives will help,’ said Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie.
He also flagged upcoming planning scheme amendments to boost the supply of smaller, affordable homes for key workers, older residents, and small households—changes currently awaiting ministerial approval.
If you’re a Noosa landowner, this could be your chance to help ease the housing crunch, support your community, and save thousands in the process.
And if you’re a renter or looking for affordable accommodation, keep an eye out—these changes could mean more options and better prices soon.
While these measures won’t solve Australia’s housing crisis overnight, they’re a welcome step towards making housing more accessible and affordable for everyone, especially older Australians, singles, and small households, often hit hardest by rising costs.
What do you think of Noosa’s new policy? Would you consider building a granny flat or secondary dwelling if it meant saving $7,000 in fees? Have you seen similar changes in your area, or do you have ideas for how councils can help ease the housing crunch? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
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