Fraser Coast residents to give feedback on caravan housing proposal

Fraser Coast residents can have their say on if local laws should allow people to live in caravans in backyards for up to six months to help fix the housing crisis.

Fraser Coast residents can now give feedback on changing a local law which could provide some relief to the housing and rental crisis.

By changing the local law it will allow people to accommodate family or friends in caravans in backyards for up to six months in a 12-month period.

The current local law allows a person to live in a caravan in a backyard for less than four weeks.

At the last Fraser Coast council meeting on October 26, councillors voted to progress the draft amended local law to the state government and community for consultation.

In a statement released by the council on Monday, Fraser Coast residents can weigh in on what they think about the proposed change.

The local law will expire on December 31, 2027, and then revert to its current version, unless it is extended or repealed.

“We have a kind and compassionate community, and many have reached out to me since I started pursuing this idea some months ago to demonstrate their support,” Councillor Jade Wellings said.

Fraser Coast residents can now have their say on changing a local law which will allow family or friends to occupy caravans in backyards for up to six months.

“While housing is primarily a State Government responsibility, our community is looking to us as local leaders to do something in this space.

“This proposal certainly won’t be a cure or a fix, but it may help take some pressure off and allow people to take care of their loved ones in their time of need.”

The details of the proposed local law change, which include where caravans can be situated on a property and the correct way to dispose of sewerage, are outlined on the council’s website.

Ms Wellings said in a statement that changing the local law would not allow parties to exchange funds or engage in a commercial undertaking.

The proposed local law is now available on the council’s website via this link and the community can provide written submissions until November 28.

Feedback submissions marked “attention Public Consultation Local Law” can be sent to: [e-mail].

Submissions can also be sent: Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Coast Regional Council, PO Box 1943, Hervey Bay, QLD, 4655.

Written submissions can be delivered in person to a Fraser Coast Regional Council Customer Service Centre.