In preparation for the 2026–27 State Budget, we have written to a number of Ministers seeking consideration of projects, services and infrastructure identified by our electorate that remain unfunded or only partially funded.
This included correspondence to the Minister for Housing, who has since responded to several of the matters raised.
Stamp duty exemption for seniors downsizing
To assist in increasing the supply of family homes and directly address housing pressures in Noosa, we requested that the Minister for Housing work with the Treasurer to consider a stamp duty exemption for Queensland seniors who downsize from a family home.
As this matter was also raised directly with the Queensland Treasurer, the Minister for Housing advised that the Treasurer’s office will provide a response in due course.
Doonella Street social housing project
We requested that consideration be given to transferring a portion of the Doonella Street social housing project to a community housing provider to manage as affordable housing for Noosa residents, particularly key workers who may not qualify for social housing but are experiencing housing stress.
The Minister provided the following update:
The Doonella Street social housing project is progressing with the construction tender having closed on 11 December 2025. Following the assessment of the tender and finalisation of the construction documentation by the contractor, construction is expected to commence in mid-2026. The department is considering engaging a community housing provider to manage the dwellings under a long-term lease, aligning with the Government’s commitment to support the community housing sector.
At this stage, there is no commitment regarding allocation of a portion of the development for affordable housing for key workers. We will continue to investigate options and advocate for this outcome, to monitor the progress of construction and provide an update when any new information is received.
Former House With No Steps site – Doonan
We again raised the need for a portion of the former House With No Steps site (the previous camp ground), currently administered by the Ted Noffs Foundation, to be used for temporary accommodation (up to two years) for frontline workers and essential personnel, given the ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining staff due to local housing costs.
The Minister advised:
The department recognises the potential of the site at 60 Fellowship Drive, Doonan, for youth and affordable accommodation. The Ted Noffs Foundation is encouraged to explore the Queensland Housing Investment Pipeline (Q-CHIP) pre-submission pathway to discuss the feasibility of delivering social and affordable housing on the site. This process allows proponents to receive early feedback and guidance to support project development.
We have since raised Q-CHIP with the Ted Noffs Foundation and will continue to advocate to address the barriers currently impacting progress.
Noosa Salvation Army crisis accommodation project
Our Budget submission also sought funding support for the Noosa Coolum Salvation Army to deliver emergency and transitional accommodation at 8 Bartlett Street, Noosaville.
The Minister advised:
Regarding the Noosa Salvation Army Crisis Accommodation Project, the Q-CHIP offers an opportunity for funding. While the Salvation Army Family Violence Services is not a registered community housing provider, partnerships with registered providers could enable eligibility for Q-CHIP. Alternative funding options, such as the National Housing Infrastructure Crisis and Transitional Program, may also be suitable.
We have contacted the Noosa Coolum Salvation Army to relay this advice and have offered to facilitate discussions with an appropriate community housing provider to support potential funding applications.
Review of housing needs
We also raised the need for an independent review of Queensland’s housing needs to 2050, including an update to income eligibility thresholds that have not changed since 2006.
This matter was not addressed in the Minister’s response and will continue to be raised in future advocacy.
Lake Macdonald Housing Project
In January 2025, community housing provider Coast2Bay secured Lot 1 at 62 Lake Macdonald Drive for the development of 25 social housing units, comprising 15 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom dwellings. The development application, lodged in 2025, was approved by Noosa Council in February 2026 following an internal assessment and independent planning review.
The project will be delivered under a Capital Funding Arrangement between Coast2Bay and the Department of Housing, ensuring the site is used for social housing in perpetuity. In October 2025, the Queensland Government also announced a $4.1 million grant through the Residential Activation Fund to support essential infrastructure works, including water, sewer and stormwater.
In February 2026, Noosa Council advised that remediation works on the former landfill site had been completed, with civil works now underway to subdivide the land into three lots with the future use of Lots 2 and 3 subject to further community engagement.
We will continue monitoring progress on this site and provide further updates as new information becomes available. For more information on this project, visit www.noosa.qld.gov.au/Planning-and-Development/Housing/Cooroy-Housing-Project
Further information
For our previous Noosa 360 updates on housing, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=Housing.
For more information on Coast2Bay, visit https://coast2bay.com.au/.
For more information on Youturn, visit https://youturn.org.au/.
To contact the Minister for Housing, email housing@ministerial.qld.gov.au. Please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.