News
12 November, 2024
Housing headache
Frustration that key solutions to expand housing supply through the construction of tiny homes and granny flats were being stymied by red tape was raised at the latest Vision Builders Breakfast this week.
Federal Member for Longman, Terry Young, hosted the second Vision Builders Breakfast at Sports Central Caboolture on November 12.
The event gathered around 50 representatives from various organizations, including Federal Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan, and Moreton Bay Councillors Adam Hain and Tony Latter.
The non-partisan forum focused on brainstorming solutions to housing and homelessness challenges, tackling issues related to affordability, supply, domestic violence, and lifestyle factors such as addiction or reintegration post-incarceration.
Having representatives from federal, state, and local government allowed for discussions across different perspectives.
One challenge highlighted was balancing tax reductions with sufficient government funding for projects, ensuring that any tax cuts would benefit renters.
Mark Ryan discussed mechanisms like land tax and stamp duty exemptions, stressing the need to ensure savings are passed to renters, not just property investors.
Building codes were another key point of frustration, especially with limitations on tiny homes due to strict height requirements.
Cr. Adam Hain pointed out that many older homes have unusable lower levels due to ceiling height restrictions, limiting homeowners’ ability to rent those spaces.
Terry Young acknowledged the importance of safety codes but proposed that, in a housing crisis, exceptions could be considered.
Participants discussed alternatives like granny flats, tiny homes, and container homes, with challenges around neighborhood disturbances and infrastructure capacity, including sewage and overcrowding concerns.
Cr. Tony Latter emphasized that while temporary housing solutions are possible, regulations are necessary for medium- and long-term safety and infrastructure sustainability.
Other innovative solutions included utilizing vacant buildings and empty lots as temporary shelters.
An example was the Camplify app, which functions like Airbnb but for camping, allowing private property owners to rent out space for stays, a model already in use by City Point Church Caboolture and Bribie Island.
This initiative enables property owners to offer caravan space and amenities, providing a flexible housing solution while also leveraging word of mouth to connect people at risk with housing.
