THE Sunshine Coast Council has waived permit fees for those having to temporarily live in a tent, car, caravan or mobile home and who, due to extenuating circumstances, will find it difficult to pay.
Service Excellence and Customer Service Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said council was reacting to the rising housing pressures that had placed a burden on many local families.
“Some people have no choice but to live in a temporary home until their circumstances improve,” Cr Dickson said.
“Prior to today’s decision, the $514 application fee to apply for a temporary home permit may have made it difficult for people struggling to make ends meet.
“Waiving the fee for those who are experiencing financial hardship or other legitimate circumstances such as family or domestic violence, will help them gain approval for temporary housing sooner.”
Approval is for a limited duration, depending on the type of temporary home:
- less than three months for a tent
- six months for a car
- 18 months for a bus, caravan, or mobile home.
Where more time is required, the fee to reapply for a temporary home approval is $392.
However where council has previously waived the fee, council will again take into account any extenuating circumstances.
Cr Dickson said no two cases were the same and council would carefully consider the circumstances of each application.
“I’m not going to pretend to know all the hardships people are going through and the local law and application fee may be preventing people having a safe place,” Cr Dickson said.
“Our first priority is to ensure everyone – including our most vulnerable people – is safe.
“While it is important we support people who need to access a temporary home, council also has obligations to protect and manage health and safety, the environment, and reduce impacts on nearby properties and public spaces.
“This includes ensuring temporary homes are not placed in known bushfire or flood prone areas; waste, sewage, and grey water are disposed of safely; and the temporary home is safe for use and the occupants have access to, or a plan for, kitchen, bathroom, and toilet needs.”
Approval is not required for a temporary home on a vacant property when occupied for less than two weeks per year or occupied for less than four weeks in any 52-week period on a property with a dwelling house.
In these instances waste materials, including grey water, are not to be left on site and the temporary home is to be located at the rear of the dwelling house.
However, if the temporary home will be in place for longer periods or if it cannot meet the conditions, approval will be required.
The reduced fee of $0 will come into effect from 24 February 2023.
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Living-and-Community/Community-Support/temporary-home