Council to work with Queensland Government on progressing housing strategy

Redland City Council has resolved to work with the Queensland Government on progressing the implementation actions outlined in the Redland Housing Strategy 2024–2046 to increase dwelling supply and diversity across the city.

Deputy Mayor Julie Talty, who chaired this week’s General Meeting, said Council was satisfied with the majority of actions included in the Queensland Government-developed strategy but would seek further clarity from the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works on how to progress certain elements of the plan.

“The Queensland Government has addressed several of the issues Council raised in response to the draft strategy during the previous Council term and is largely satisfied with the actions included in the final report,” Cr Talty said.

“However, Council has concerns about how the one to five-year timeframe to complete all 18 actions could impact on Council resources and other large bodies of work such as the new City Plan, which is due for delivery in 2028.

“Council also believes certain actions will need to be supported by further detailed technical investigations and may require additional funding and resource commitments from the Queensland Government.

“As such, Council voted at today’s General Meeting to write to the Minister for Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works asking for these factors to be taken into consideration as the strategy progresses to the next phase.”

In its analysis of the 18 listed actions, Council has flagged concerns about the proposal to develop an incentives policy for the delivery of alternate housing typologies and housing models such as build to rent properties and tiny homes.

As Council already operates under a capped infrastructure model, arrangements to further subsidise these housing types would need to come from general revenue or debt, which Council does not consider appropriate.

It also is seeking further clarity on the background studies and reports used to inform a proposal to include the Quandamooka Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) in the City Plan, as the Queensland Government has not met Council’s previous requests for this information to be made publicly available.

Other concerns relate to the financial and resource implications of completing a dwelling capacity review on the bay islands and the evidence used to recommend an increase in building heights to seven storeys in the medium density zone, where within 400m of a principal centre zone.

Council largely accepts the Queensland Government’s proposed actions, noting much of this work could be incorporated in the current City Plan review, subject to additional funding and resourcing support.

“The intent of the housing strategy is to boost dwelling supply and diversity on Redlands Coast, and Council is committed to working closely and collaboratively with the Queensland Government over coming years to ensure this happens,” Cr Talty said.

“Actions in the final strategy include amending assessment provisions, increasing the supply of semi-detached dwellings such as townhouses, and using greenfield land more efficiently.

“The final strategy suggests that these amendments will be required to meet the changing demographics of the Redlands Coast community.

“Council’s position remains that future development should respect the unique character of Redlands Coast and be encouraged in areas with improved access to jobs, services and lifestyle centres.

“I encourage all residents to review the final Redland Housing Strategy on the Department’s website and read about the actions that will be implemented across the city as part of the plan.”