Housing affordability is one of the most pressing challenges on the Fraser Coast, and as a community, we have the opportunity to drive real change.
The issue isn’t simple—COVID accelerated the crisis, but our region’s ongoing growth of 2,500 new residents each year means we need at least 1,200 new homes annually. However, a shortage of developable land, outdated town planning boundaries, and rising construction costs have made housing increasingly out of reach. Large landowners are holding onto vast tracts, retirement villages are absorbing low-density areas, and the cost of civil works and council charges continue to climb.
So how do we unlock affordability? By thinking smarter about land use. Expanding town planning boundaries will increase supply and ease cost pressures, but we also need to embrace diverse housing solutions—small lot living, duplexes, triplexes, apartments, zero-lot housing, and terrace homes.
These options provide affordability, flexibility, and create communities that young people, families, and workers can thrive in. Importantly, development must be about more than just housing—it needs to be designed for liveability, with access to beaches, restaurants, workplaces, and green spaces. Good design isn’t about going up—it’s about making better use of the land we have.
The Fraser Coast is at a turning point. By embracing smart planning today, we can create a region that remains vibrant, accessible, and a place people are proud to call home.
What do you think? Let’s start the conversation.
