COUNCIL ADOPTS MEASURES TO ADDRESS HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Redland City Council has adopted a number of measures to help address housing affordability. Deputy Mayor Julie Talty, who chaired council’s most recent General Meeting, said the measures aimed to support the delivery of more affordable and diverse housing on Redlands Coast. “Although the provision of affordable and social housing is not the responsibility of local government, we feel we can still make a difference,” Cr Talty said. “In particular, Council has established an affordable housing policy that supports community housing providers who want to deliver affordable housing on Redlands Coast. “The policy, which is expected to commence by early November, will offer discounted development application fees and infrastructure charges. A $1 million funding pool is available, with eligible projects able to receive discounts up to $250,000. “The policy will also include a fee waiver for Council’s pre-lodgement service and offer an expedited decision-making period for code assessable applications that satisfy certain criteria.” Cr Talty said Council also endorsed a major amendment to support dual occupancies on lots of 700m2 (down from 800m2) or greater in Low Density Residential zones. “This amendment will allow more opportunities for the take up of dual occupancies in the city and will support greater density and dwelling diversity in a way that is compatible with the character and amenity of Low Density Residential zones,” she said. The amendment will be submitted to the Planning Minister for State Interest Review.