Why only way is up

A TOWNSCAPE incorporating a skyline of high-rise dwellings could be the solution to unprecedented demand for residential properties in a quiet Far Northern community.

The Cassowary Coast has become hot property for “Covid-19 escapees” with the demand evident in the council’s latest residential approval figures.

It’s led to a scenario in which tenants are forced to leave their homes so owners can sell, and employers falling short of professional workers due to a lack of accommodation.

Recently, Cassowary Coast Regional Council resolved to make a new planning scheme and Mayor Mark Nolan said he had asked for the capacity “to go up” in the scheme.

“For the first time in 13 years, we’ve had more development applications approved for new homes than class 10 sheds,” Cr Nolan said.

“I talk to real estate agents who are inundated with inquiries and our planning department are reporting figures have gone through the roof for new homes.

“Sadly it’s meant renters are finding themselves without accommodation and every time we go to a school function, principals say ‘we can’t get teachers here, can you do something about housing’.

“We hear the same thing at the hospital for doctors and nurses and the police as well.”

Cr Nolan said the new scheme needed to incentivise high-rise projects for developers: “We also need incentives to combat land banking, which is an issue we’ve faced.

“I completely expect there to be protests around building up, particularly in Mission Beach, and because of the environment we may be hindered by the FNQ Regional Plan (2009-2031) anyway. But I believe Innisfail and Tully have an appetite.”

The council has also allocated $50,000 in this year’s budget for a study to consider purchasing additional land for a council housing program.