Livingstone Shire Council Champions Urgent Housing Action for the Capricorn Coast
Livingstone Shire Council has taken decisive action to address the region’s critical housing shortage by signing a formal letter to the Queensland Government, advocating for the approval of a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) that would fast-track the development of much-needed residential land.
CEO Terry Dodds PSM said the move follows Council’s resolution on 5 November 2024, which tasked officers with preparing the TLPI to respond to unprecedented population growth and housing market pressures being felt across the Shire.
“Since 2022, Livingstone’s population has surged at an average annual rate of 2.5%—nearly double the regional Queensland average—driven by domestic migration, remote work trends, and broader economic shifts,” Mr Dodds said.
“While growth is a positive indicator of the region’s appeal and liveability, it has placed immense pressure on housing supply and affordability.”
Mayor Adam Belot said Council was committed to taking proactive steps to meet this challenge head-on.
“Our community is growing, and while that brings many benefits, it also demands swift and sensible planning responses to ensure we can provide housing for current and future residents,” Mayor Belot said.
“The TLPI is a practical, targeted solution to unlock more land in the short term while preserving the integrity of our long-term planning framework.
"Central to the housing issue across our region, is the lack of affordable supply and this marks only the first step in tackling this challenge.
"Council has already commenced work on the next Planning Scheme Amendment, aimed at creating more flexible development pathways to support the delivery of much-needed housing and new commercial opportunities."
CEO Terry Dodds PSM reiterated the lack in housing supply in the region.
“Between 2021 and 2024, only 832 lots suitable for detached dwellings were registered across the Shire, averaging 128 standard urban lots and 80 rural residential lots per year – well below what is needed to meet demand,” Mr Dodds said.
“Meanwhile, median house prices soared 30% in less than two years, rising from $485,000 in December 2021 to $690,000 in September 2023, with similar increases in the price of vacant land.”
Development and Environment Committee Co-Chair Councillor Wade Rothery said the TLPI will seek to rezone land in three priority areas—Hidden Valley, Kinka Beach, and Emu Park—identified through detailed Council analysis as suitable for immediate development.
“These areas meet key planning criteria, including access to infrastructure, consideration of environmentally sensitive areas, and demonstrated readiness from landholders and developers,” Cr Rothery said.
“This is about making smart, timely decisions to support our community’s wellbeing and prosperity.”
“We’re urging the State Government to approve this TLPI so we can take action now and ensure a stronger, more resilient future for Livingstone.”
If approved, the TLPI will:
- Enable faster development of standard urban residential lots by temporarily applying the Low-Density Residential zone in selected precincts;
- Reduce the minimum lot size from 600m² to 450m² within these areas to increase housing diversity and affordability;
- Suspend certain existing zoning provisions to streamline development and expedite delivery.
Council looks forward to working closely with the State Government and the community as it continues to plan for a vibrant and sustainable future.