Sunshine Coast Council ’disgusting’ move amid housing crisis
A Queensland Council has come under fire for a truly baffling act that has left four families without a place to live.
A Queensland Council has come under fire after issuing eviction notices to residents living in four tiny homes on a rural property because the dwellings do not comply with the council’s planning scheme.
Jacqueline Morton lives on a 32-acre rural property in the Sunshine Coast hinterland and has four tiny homes on her land.
But when neighbours complained last year, it sparked an investigation by Sunshine Coast Council officers.
Now the council has given Ms Morton until August 31 to remove the tiny homes and tenants from her property.
One of those residents, Angela Smith, 37, told news.com.au that she was “unable to obtain a rental house, let alone a mortgage”.
“As a single mother, I am truly feeling the effects of the current housing crisis,” she said.
Sunshine Coast community advocate Helen Andrew, who is campaigning for people to live on tiny homes and caravans without fear of eviction, described the situation as “disgusting”.
“The housing situation on the Sunshine Coast is dire,” she said.
“Lots of people during Covid moved from Sydney and Melbourne and pushed the housing prices through the roof and so it is unaffordable for so many people.”
The Sunshine Coast is the least affordable of all of Australia’s state capital cities with only 4.6 per cent of rental properties under $400.
Ms Andrews said local government regulations need to change to ensure these people can stay on properties.
“Rather than finding a solution for accommodation council is just throwing the book at them,” she said.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson told news.com.au the housing crisis is “complex, multifaceted and evolving” but defended the council’s actions regarding tiny houses residents.
“The landowner was provided a reasonable time period for the relocation of several tiny homes from this property, as only one tiny home can be located on a property,” the spokesperson said.
“While it is important to support people who need access to temporary housing, council also has obligations to protect and manage health and safety, the environment, and reduce impacts on nearby properties and public spaces.”
What are tiny houses?
Tiny houses are caravan-like houses built on wheels or trailers so they can be towed to different locations.
They’re similar in size to a shipping container, but slightly taller.
Tiny houses were first popularised in the United States 30 years ago as part of a minimalist, eco movement that enticed people to live outside the big cities and closer to nature.
Councils usually classify tiny houses on wheels as caravans so Development Application (DA) approval isn’t required.
But councils can limit the amount of time someone can live permanently in a tiny house. This rule varies from state to state and council to council.
carla.mascarenhas@news.com.au
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