Council votes to scrap temporary housing fees for those doing it tough

Sunshine Coast Regional Council has revealed in what circumstances they will waive temporary housing fees amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Sunshine Coast residents unable to afford temporary housing application fees will have the payment waived amid the cost of living crisis.

Cost of living was front of mind at the Sunshine Coast Regional Council meeting on Thursday, with councillors voting unanimously to waive temporary housing application fees for those unable to afford the payment.

The application fee for temporary homes is $514, however a number of circumstances have been proposed by the council where the fee will be waived.

Described at the meeting as the “compassionate and considered approach”, the change will aim to ease the financial burdens of vulnerable members of the community during the cost of living crisis.

Councillor Christian Dickson said the fee reduction would make a positive impact on many struggling with housing in the region.

“Some people have no choice but to live in a temporary home until their circumstances improve,” Mr Dickson said.

“Prior to today’s decision, the $514 application fee to apply for a temporary home permit may have made it difficult for people struggling to make ends meet.

“Waiving the fee for those who are experiencing financial hardship or other legitimate circumstances such as family or domestic violence, will help them gain approval for temporary housing sooner.”

Sunshine Coast residents unable to afford temporary housing application fees will have the payment waived amid the cost of living crisis.

The fee would be waived for people in situations where they would not be able to afford the application cost.

Those examples included, death in the family resulting in a loss of income, family or domestic violence, prolonged unemployment and displacement caused by a natural disaster.

Residents of temporary homes would not be granted the reduced fee if they were living on the site of a home under construction, caretaking a site to reduce a theft risk or creating a temporary home to rent out and make money.

Mr Dickson said each case would be considered individually to ensure the council was aware of certain circumstances and able to manage risks.

“Staff want to sit with them, make sure they are safe, take them through the process and respond with compassion,” Mr Dickson said.

“Importantly, the approval process also enables officers to connect people to help and services when additional support is needed.”

Temporary housing is defined by the council as a dwelling that has not required a building permit and permission is currently only granted for limited periods of time.

Residents can apply for the fee waiver from February 24.