Toowoomba Regional Council makes move to increase housing accessibility

A Toowoomba business representative says there would be losers if Toowoomba Regional Council’s proposed housing plan moves forward.

A proposed move by the Toowoomba Regional Council could see additional assistance given to release further housing to the market.

Councillor Megan O’Hara Sullivan said a report would be presented to the Planning and Development Committee on June 14 to offer potential assistance measures to increase housing accessibility in the region.

“Council is investigating additional measures to assist the release of new housing sites, as well as incentives to generate greater numbers of rental housing in the existing urban areas to the property market,” Cr O’Hara Sullivan said.

#trnews We’re working on extensive residential development assistance measures to aid the release of more housing to the market. Report coming to June 14 meeting. https://t.co/1G0JjfolScpic.twitter.com/H5IybQDC6F

— Toowoomba Region (@toowoombaregion) April 30, 2022

“These initiatives will look at stormwater solutions to multiple dwellings or units and financial incentives to progress work on existing approved developments.

“In addition, the report will recommend processes that streamline applications in new or greenfield areas, particularly to aid development in Emerging Community Zoned land, plus a review of some development approval fees.

“These initiatives will assist in the provision of more rental accommodation across the region, as well as making it easier for developers to provide new housing lots for owner occupiers in the short term, especially given the demand for new owner occupier homes that has been driven by federal stimulus incentives.”

Housing construction has been ongoing across the Darling Downs. Picture: Kevin Farmer

However Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl said while it appeared sensible and logical, some residents might be the “losers from the policy position the council has taken at the moment”.

“It needs to be addressed,” he said.

“The greenfield site overall is disappointing because it doesn’t go far enough.

“Proposed action seems disappointing, and we don't expect it to have any great impact on land supply.

“It appears there is no new land released through zoning.

“From a business perspective, it’s hard to employ people if there’s nowhere for them to live. The results on June 14 will be closely monitored by the chamber.”

Cr O’Hara Sullivan said the council was aware of the housing supply and rental stress experienced in the region and across Australia, and this was a proposed way to combat the issue.