Noosa Council Abolishes $7,000 Infrastructure Charge for Secondary Dwellings—Here’s What That Means for You
Exciting news for home builders, tiny house lovers, and renters across the Noosa region—starting 1 July 2025, Noosa Shire Council has scrapped the hefty infrastructure charges (previously averaging about $7,000) for new secondary dwellings, including granny flats and backyard studios.
This bold move is part of a broader suite of financial incentives under the Council’s Housing Strategy, aimed at boosting smaller, affordable housing options. By removing one of the biggest financial hurdles, the Council hopes to encourage more homeowners to build permanent, long-term rental dwellings—especially for singles, couples, retirees, and key workers.
Whether you're a builder, developer, or homeowner eager to diversify your property’s potential—or want to help ease the local housing crunch—this is a moment worth exploring.
Why This Change Matters
Significant cost savings: Eliminating the average $7,000 infrastructure charge is a substantial financial incentive, tipping the scales in favor of building secondary dwellings.
Boosting affordable, long-term housing: The change supports the Council’s aim to address rental shortages by promoting dwelling additions aimed at permanent rental markets—not holiday or short-term lets.
Aligning with Noosa’s Housing Strategy: This action is one of over 45 initiatives outlined in the 2022-initiated strategy to tackle inequity and improve housing diversity and affordability.
Additional incentives for developers and not-for-profits: Waived application fees or infrastructure deferments are available for community housing providers and private developers creating long-term rentals, further amplifying the impact.
How This Benefits Your Tiny Home Journey
Reduced costs: The removal of infrastructure charges directly lowers development expenses, making granny flats or tiny homes more viable.
Modular and prefab homes benefit most: Builders like Sunshine Tiny Houses can help homeowners leverage this policy shift—offering fast, offsite-built, council-compliant dwellings with minimal disruption.
Ideal for long-term rental markets: With short-term letting still prohibited, these dwellings are designed for longer-term residents—perfect for creating stable, local rental options.
Support for sustainable, minimalist living: Secondary dwellings built under these incentives can beautifully align with tiny home ideals—compact, eco-conscious design on your property, on your terms.
Quick FAQs
When does the change take effect?
1 July 2025—any infrastructure charges issued before this date still apply.
Can I rent it short-term (e.g., Airbnb)?
No—secondary dwellings must be for permanent accommodation, not short-term letting.
What other incentives exist?
Council is waiving development application fees for non-profits and offering reimbursements or fee waivers to developers building affordable rentals.
Who benefits most?
Homeowners adding a self-contained studio, builders specializing in small dwellings, and community housing groups. Long-term renters—especially key workers and older residents—stand to gain too.
Ready to Make a Move?
This is your moment to capitalize on Noosa Council’s forward-thinking policy—whether you're designing a granny flat, exploring modular construction, or simply curious how a secondary dwelling could enhance your property.
At Sunshine Tiny Houses, we're here to guide you through every stage—from selecting the right model to navigating approvals and building with sustainability in mind.
Stay tuned—we’ll soon explore design ideas, council-compliant tiny home layouts, and financing tips that make your secondary dwelling dreams a comfortable reality.