FAQs

The housing strategy is a key strategic document that sets out a plan to guide the location and types of new housing across the Mackay region.

The region needs a housing strategy because currently the types of homes we have do not support the variety of household types. 

Further, a key planning interest for the Queensland Government, detailed in the State Planning Policy (SPP), is the delivery of ‘diverse, accessible and well-serviced housing and land for housing’. The state encourages councils to prepare a housing strategy to understand the housing needs of their region and to align their local planning scheme to ensure future housing provision meets community needs.

Council has prepared a draft housing strategy to ensure that the required types of housing are available in desirable areas to accommodate the Mackay region's changing needs for both existing and anticipated residents. 

Achieving housing outcomes is a shared responsibility between council, developers and several other actors in housing delivery. 

While Council administers the planning scheme (which guides and regulates housing types in suitable locations), it does not construct or deliver housing. Housing delivery is the responsibility of the private sector, the State Government and Community Housing Providers (CHPs).

Housing diversity refers to the availability of a range of housing types, sizes, styles and price points within a community or region. The goal is to meet the varied needs of people at different life stages, income levels and lifestyle preferences.

The draft housing strategy does not seek to address wider social and cultural factors such as domestic violence and homelessness. However, the strategy aims to set targets to support the delivery of public and social housing and diverse housing options to support vulnerable community members.