Noosa Council has approved a landmark social housing development in Cooroy,
transforming council land into a 25-unit architect-designed complex at 62 Lake
Macdonald Drive, though the decision has revealed divisions within council
chambers.
The project, to be delivered by community housing provider Coast2Bay, represents
the shire’s largest-ever investment in social housing and a crucial step in addressing
the region’s housing crisis.
Mayor Frank Wilkie described the decision as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to
tackle Noosa’s housing challenges while unlocking value in the remaining 14,000
square metres of the site.
“While women and children are sleeping in cars in Noosa, we will be playing our part
in finding solutions, as promised,” Frank said. “This is the biggest single investment
in social housing in this shire and a clear commitment to helping deliver affordable
housing for those in most need.”
However the approval wasn’t unanimous. Councillor Amelia Lorenston, along with
councillors Nicola Wilson and Jessica Phillips, opposed aspects of the development.
“While all councillors agreed unanimously on the importance of supporting those in
need, divisions emerged over other matters, which led to dissent from myself and
councillors Nicola Wilson and Jessica Phillips,” Amelia said.
The site, formerly used as a night soil, landfill and bottle disposal facility until the
1950s, requires comprehensive remediation before construction can begin. The
council plans to remove contaminants to realise the land’s full potential for
community use.
“Unfortunately, the closed session has left the community without insight into the
arguments that shaped the decision,” Amelia said. “For some, the Council’s majority
decision may be viewed as a bold move toward tackling the housing crisis, while for
others, it may raise significant concerns.”
Responding to neighbourhood concerns, the revised layout includes an expanded
10-metre-wide vegetated buffer and an additional 2,500 square metres of open
space.
“From my perspective, decisions like this extend beyond immediate outcomes; they
set a precedent for how Council approaches housing challenges and manages
risks,” Amelia added. “As the Cooroy subdivision and remediation project
progresses, it will, in my opinion, remain a topic of public scrutiny and discussion.”
Despite the controversy, Mayor Wilkie maintains that “focused planning has the
potential to make this a signature project in Queensland and a local response to the
widening inequality gap we’re seeing across the country.”
Coast2Bay will submit a Development Application for community review before
construction begins, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed with council
in 2022.
The council will seek community input on potential uses for the remaining land –
including options for open space, cultural heritage projects, or additional housing
initiatives.
“We will continue to work with all stakeholders on the balance of the site to create a
positive legacy everyone can be proud of,” Frank said.
Some have welcomed the decision, highlighting the urgent need for affordable
housing in the region. The project aligns with broader state and national efforts to
address the ongoing housing crisis.
By Sarah-Jane Scott