Affordable housing and homeless actions come to life

Council continues to make progress towards addressing affordable housing and reducing homelessness on the Sunshine Coast. This is in line with the Environment Liveability Strategy aspiration to ensure there is a diversity of neighbourhoods and housing which provide sustainable and affordable living options for everyone. 

A 2024 progress update report highlights achievements made as part of the Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2023. 

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

In partnership with the Queensland Government’s $2 billion Housing Investment Fund, Council has commenced delivering affordable housing on underutilised Council land at Marcoola. These prefabricated homes are set to be available for rent to eligible low-income households by June 2025. 

Council continues to explore opportunities for residential development on other underutilised properties. This includes identifying suitable parcels of land to enable a steady pipeline of affordable housing development.

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

Council remains committed to facilitating and supporting community-led initiatives, working with partners to build capacity and respond effectively to homelessness. 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. 

Through development incentives that support the not-for-profit sector, Council provides development incentives, including infrastructure charge rebates and reduced development application fees to encourage the delivery of affordable housing and essential community services. 

For more information on Council’s initiatives and progress, please visit Council’s website.