Let your local member know what you want from the new planning scheme. Your feedback early in the process will influence the preparation of the proposed planning scheme.

Make it personal, express your concerns and share how they could use the new planning scheme to increase housing affordability, housing diversity and reduce homelessness. Each area of the Sunshine Coast will have different housing needs, let’s try and get a planning scheme that meets them. What residents near the beach want when it comes to housing affordability will be different from those living on rural properties?

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They must read and respond to every email/letter they receive, after all, they are our elected representatives, and we are their constituents/clients.
Direct contact is the most effective, tried-and-tested method for citizens to bring about regulatory change.

And it works.

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We are all experiencing housing or lack of housing in different ways.  It is important that our elected representatives understand how it is affecting you.  It is important to share, here are some suggestions.

Surveys do not capture your stories or thoughts, but it is important our councillors hear directly from you. Share your own story, your current experience, and what you want in the future.

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Everyone should have a home, but many don’t. Access to housing have become tight for many residents of the Sunshine Coast. Homelessness is increasing at a rapid rate, houses are becoming unaffordable, and the rental vacancy rate is almost zero. It common to have 60 to 70 people at a rental inspection. Many are suffering, stressed, and depressed, not knowing if they will have to move away from family and long standing friends to find cheaper housing.

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Sunshine Coast Council is preparing a new planning scheme that will replace the current Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. The new plan process is anticipated to take two to three years to complete. We are at the initial step, the preliminary public consultation stage. An opportunity for us to have our say and what we would like in the new town plan.

 

Here is an overview of the New Planning Scheme - https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Development/Planning-Documents/New-Sunshine-Coast-Planning-Scheme/Preliminary-consultation

 

To learn more, there are several online information sessions for each local community https://haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplanningscheme/information-sessions

 

We have a rare opportunity to influence how our council tackles housing affordability in our new town plan. If we want to improve our housing diversity beyond typical suburban houses, high density housing like Aura, apartments, and retirement villages, then we need to let them know of the viable affordable alternatives. What type of housing do you want and how would you like to see it developed. If we want something different that meets our changing need, we need to speak up. Take the survey to let them know what you think or tell them how you are experiencing housing stress in the survey links above.

If you are experiencing homelessness or housing distress, or know someone who is, please contact us.

 

We have a rare and limited opportunity to have our voices heard. Please use this opportunity in the three ways we have mentioned. The last thing you can do is please share this with your community/network. The more people who contribute, the better the outcome.

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Thank You & Love From Us

Maleny Workgroup on Housing Affordability & Homelessness
Initiated by the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre + Affiliated Centres
 

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Also in support of this project -

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 • Maleny Neighbourhood Centre (Initiating Organisation) - https://www.malenync.org.au/

 • Maleny Community House: (Michael "Laughing Wolf")

 • Glasshouse Over 55s Women's Accommodation

 • Polkadot Community Incorporated Association

 • Maleny Lane

 • Maleny Eco Village

 • Eco Villages Australia - https://www.ecovillages.com.au

 • Priority Purpose

 • Tiny Towns Australia

 • Tiny Rooms
• Smart Living Society Incorporated

 • Tiny Homes Expo (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne)

 • Transition Towns Sunshine Coast

 + Participating Regional Neighbourhood Centres