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Feature – An innovative way forward for urban planning.
Placemaking: the way
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Housing affordability and homelessness are growing problems on the Sunshine Coast, but there are innovative solutions available if our leaders dare to think differently, say urban planning experts. WORDS: Gail Forrer.
We are not alone. The Sunshine Coast in common with much of the western world, is experiencing a housing shortage and affordability crisis.
Three years ago, a global survey by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy confirmed this when, out of 200 cities polled around the world, 90 per cent were considered unaffordable when applying the widely used standard of average house prices being more than three times median income.
The search for suitable housing styles goes back to the dawn of time, with many answers emanating from cultural customs and values. However, one Sunshine Coast urban planner is calling for disruption in traditional thinking.
Architect Phil Smith is appealing to the council to show leadership and start a new style of development model.
“The Sunshine Coast Council is a significant landowner,” he says.
“Although council is historically not in the business of providing affordable housing, as landowners it’s time they used their resources and partnered up with the not-for-profit sector to develop affordable housing.”
Mr Smith says the role he is advocating for the council is usually undertaken by state and federal governments. However, if the council did undertake this sort of game-changing initiative, Mr Smith insists it would contribute further to defining the organisation as a visionary leader.
To date, the concept hasn’t had favourable results. In the Noosa Shire, the Tewantin TAFE is a monument to 21st century waste. Purpose built in 2004 as a TAFE college, inclusive of a short-term accommodation space for artist residencies, the edgy, environmental architecture saw it gain several prestigious building awards.
In 2014, it was closed and remains so. In recent years, the state government negotiated a purchase with Noosa Council, however for various reasons, last year it decided not to proceed with the purchase. Since then, the state government has called for expressions of interest and the result will be announced in the next month.
In the meantime, Noosa shire is offering another model of accommodation. This model provides short-term, share accommodation for the numerous hospitality staff employed in prime entertainment areas, yet priced out of the area where employers are seeking their labour. It is hoped this concept will set the standard right across the Sunshine Coast region.
Noosa Council has moved ahead and approved Noosa Bounce, a new 122-bed resort offering up a dedicated section to provide short-term, accommodation from $200 per week in premium shared quarters.
Property owner Mark Baldwin says, “Hospitality workers are an integral part of the hospitality and tourism offering and we need to seize this moment to come together and build on our experience and resilience to ensure the sustainable and inclusive recovery of our important tourism sector. My team at Bounce are accustomed to supporting guests, and with the current absence of international travellers, we will have enough beds.”
History shows a change in people’s attitude is eventually reflected in government legislation regarding zoning, but in some cases perhaps not soon enough. Russell Green of RG Strategic, an urban planning company with more than 20 years’ local experience, suggests that industrial zonings could include more than the single ‘caretaker’ residence it currently offers.
Mr Smith agrees and gives an example of the Byron Bay Arts and Industry Estate.
“I have been watching it for 10 to 15 years and it’s developed into vibrant creative space,’’ he tells My Weekly Preview.
“The history of the estate goes back to the early 1970s and by 1975, there were businesses operating out of what was then an isolated, industrial area well away from the heart of town.”
The estate has since evolved into an eclectic mix of businesses and residential uses, moulded by its users. While this evolution has brought vitality to the place, it has also resulted in a number of significant functional issues, not the least
Architect Phil Smith
of which is mobility and access. It should also be noted that Byron council owns two of four major land holdings in the precinct.
As we look forward, the 2032 Olympic Games may offer further housing opportunities and initiatives. For instance, the Victorian Government in collaboration with Australian Housing Solutions (AHS) oversaw a tender to transfer 82 dwellings from the 2006 Commonwealth Games athlete’s village. These dwellings went on to be used for social housing.
Russell Green, RG Strategic
Robina on the Gold Coast is presently mooted as a site for an Olympic Village. It would be built on state-owned land and already Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is calling for a building style that is, “desirable to live in post-Olympics”.
Additionally, the Sunshine Coast is poised to institute satellite accommodation for athletes.
Finally, Mr Smith harks back to post-war lifestyles that were built within proximity of services such as the corner shop – more of a village lifestyle.
At that stage, the disruptor came in the form of the family car. The personal transport allowed people to move away from the centre and out into the suburbs with a single family dwelling on big yards.
“The car shaped our design,” he says.
Post-millennium, Mr Smith says he wants to see design once again to be shaped by people. A review of the current planning scheme (Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014) in 2020 found that while it is generally operating well as a planning instrument, it could be improved in several important ways. Changes to strengthen alignment with more recent state and local policies are considered particularly important.
Responding to emerging issues such as the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, the predicted impacts of climate change and new technologies are also key considerations.
It is anticipated that the new Sunshine Coast planning scheme, which is intended to be completed by 2024, will build on the strengths of the current planning scheme while also providing new and enhanced direction for future development.
In doing so, it will play a crucial role in achieving council’s vision of becoming Australia’s most sustainable region.
Source: sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/
GLOBAL SOLUTIONS
In the UK, Bristol has re-aligned tenure systems into multiple tenures for housing, and in Bristol you will find construction of 161 homes on a former primary school site with six different types of tenure. A housing association, community investment company and private investor have worked together to create this model, in which some houses will be sold at market price and others made available through tenures, including shared ownership and rent-to-buy. The scheme is aimed at vital workers who are being priced out of the city.
Aaron and Levi VanderAa
COOLUM’S COOL & CREATIVE INDUSTRIAL SPACE
The ‘one caretaker’ space allocated to Sunshine Coast industrial estates works beautifully for two brothers in the music industry.
Musicians and creative entrepreneurs Aaron and Levi VanderAa have located their home and business life in a warehouse-style building in the Coolum Eco Industrial Park.
“In the warehouse, we have a threebedroom area upstairs with all amenities and downstairs is where we run our music and creative hub,’’ Aaron says.
The brothers have named their warehouse/studio The Space Between. While the business goes under the name of VanderAa Collective, the enterprise brings together a team of industry professionals, creatives, directors, artists, technical engineers, marketing executives, social media strategists and videographers.
“It’s ideal living here for a musician – because while there are sound regulations, they are not the same as residential limits,” Aaron says.
Besides that, there is the financial aspect of having one property.
“It cuts down on renting costs and gives us a chance to look at other things in the future.” Obviously there is industrial noise generated during working hours. However, “once it’s knock-off time there’s plenty of peace,” Aaron says.
In terms of look and feel, he says the warehouse incorporates two different types of experiences.
“From the front roller door, the outlook is industrial – it’s definitely nothing like the suburbs,” he says.
“But from the back we look at the lake and there’s all sorts of birds and ducks and wildlife.
“And the beautiful thing is, we’re seven minutes from Coolum Beach.”
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DIG OUT YOUR OLD PICS
Share your favourite photos of days gone by to enter Sunshine Coast Council’s 2022 Heritage Calendar photo competition. The 2022 calendar theme, ‘The Children riding horseback to school in the Glass House Mountains in 1928 Great Outdoors … Celebrating fun days of sun and adventure’, will showcase a mix of images – from camping in the hinterland, to hiking, spending lazy days at the beach, a drive in the country or flying high above the region. Community Portfolio councillor Rick Baberowski says, “This is the eighth year we have reached out to our community to feature photos from their experience of our region in the annual calendar.” The winning photos, which must be owned by the entrants, will feature in the calendar along with photographer credits. Entries close August 16. Visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
$5000
TAFE Queensland is awarding 100 scholarships to Queenslanders looking to change their lives and build new careers. Applications are now open, with recipients receiving up to $5000 to study any TAFE Queensland qualification in 2022, from a Certificate III through to advanced diploma across all industries. TAFE Queensland chief executive officer Mary Campbell says scholarships will help cover the costs of course fees, textbooks and living expenses. “We know the power vocational education has to change people’s lives,” she says. Applications close September 24. Visit scholarships.tafeqld.edu.au.
DAFFODIL DAY CELEBRATES 35 YEARS
The Daffodil Day Appeal is launching this month in Queensland to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Cancer Council Queensland is encouraging the community to show their ‘flower power’ throughout August for the 145,000 Australians who are diagnosed with cancer each year. The campaign will culminate in Daffodil Day on August 27, with cancer research at the forefront of this year’s appeal. Queenslanders are able to register to fundraise or donate. This year will mark 35 years of Daffodil Day with the message that “the power of the flower lies in its ability not only to inspire hope, but to encourage people to take action”. Visit daffodilday.com.au.
NEWS REVIEW
ATHLETES DO COAST PROUD
University of the Sunshine Coast Spartans golden girl Kaylee McKeown is coming home with an impressive collection of Olympic medals after her success in the pool in Tokyo. Ms McKeown, 20, claimed three gold medals and a bronze at the Tokyo Games and now sits equal 16th on the list of the nation’s top Olympic gold medal winners, making her the most decorated homegrown Sunshine Coast Olympian. The former Pacific Lutheran College student won her first gold medal in the 100-metre backstroke in a new Olympic record time of 57.47 seconds and then went on to win the 200-metre backstroke in 2.04.68. As Australia’s fastest female backstroke swimmer, Ms McKeown was selected for two relay events – the mixed 4x100-metre medley relay, a new Olympic event where Australia claimed bronze, and the women’s 4x100-metre medley relay with the women bringing home gold. The local success continued as USC graduate Leah Neale helped the women’s 4x200-metre freestyle team to bronze, swimming the anchor leg for Australia.
$888,000
An $888,000 grant from the federal government has been awarded to Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) to develop and expand markets for Australian seafood exports. This will help boost local exporters Walker Seafoods and Rockliff Seafoods. Seafood Industry Australia CEO Veronica Papacosta says a key piece of the program will be the creation of a one-stop-shop for seafood exporters. “We are planning to create a digital platform that will curate all the resources in one place. This will allow our producers to focus their time on delivering the world’s greatest seafood to all corners of the globe.”
NAMBOUR STORE’S GOLDEN TICKET
Nambour Village News is overjoyed after selling a winning division one lottery ticket for the Saturday Gold Lotto Super Draw on July 31. The mystery, unregistered ticket holder took home $2 million in the draw. Nambour Village News manager Danielle Parkinson has been dreaming of selling a division one prize for five years. “It feels absolutely amazing to sell a division one prize. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. It has come at a perfect time as well; it was our five-year anniversary owning the store. This is our first division one prize sold at the store, and we hope it is the start of a winning streak.”
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FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
Daryl Te’Nadii had to revisit some dark memories when he wrote his powerful memoir. WORDS: Caitlin Zerafa.
In a gripping story 63 years in the making, author Daryl Te’Nadii has faced his darkest demons and most “chilling” memories.
Born in New Zealand, Mr Te’Nadii grew up facing troubles and “atrocities” no child should ever experience, and overcame two suicide attempts, all before the age of 15.
Mr Te’Nadii is now telling his harrowing tale in his memoir, The Orphaned Soldier. “I’ve been trying to put together an untold story of what took place in my life,” he says.
“I just needed answers and the best way to do it was to write things down.
“I lived under the community banner of the church to face daily onslaughts of beatings, bashing, humiliation and I had my dignity stripped from me completely.”
After 12 years, Mr Te’Nadii was reunited with his biological mother only to face further abuse at the hands of his stepfather. “[My stepfather] constantly beat me for no reason. He enjoyed it, I was his boxing bag,” he says. “Then my mother deserted me without notice. I came home from school to find out she had shot through and left me with a man who didn’t want me and kicked me out. At 14 years of age I was living on the streets for a year, behind shops, on dirt, with cardboard to keep me warm. “It’s not a proud part of my life and I get upset by it, but I had to eat out of garbage bins to survive.” Mr Te’Nadii says during his early life he made two suicide attempts, one at eight and one at 14, and was transferred into foster care at 15 before joining the army at 18. During his time in the army, he spent four years completing his Higher School Certificate (HSC) and was one of only 67 to be chosen for an elite training position.
“I completed the Golden Road for the SAS and I was picked up to spend another two years in training and became a master coach in all sports and a teacher of physical education in the army.
“It was a very elite position; there were only 67 of us in that position. I’m very, very proud of that moment in my life.”
Another triumph was winning 29 Australian titles and two international gold medals in power lifting and body building.
Now living on the Sunshine Coast and working as a wardrobe and screen installer, Mr Te’Nadii says the 13-year process to write his book was difficult as he dug up his worst memories. “Having to remember those memories was the hardest thing in my life; it chilled me,” he adds.
“I had shut down my first 18 years of my life. They weren’t even in existence until I started writing this book. Memories – they haunt me. The demons came out again and again. But I’ve gained a lot from it, and I’ve opened doors to a lot of people in my life and I’m grateful for it.
“Every chapter I wrote gave me time to reflect back on those moments, situations and people. The healing process was amazing. I have accepted more love and trust.”
Available in 163 countries and having been told by his publishers the book has “movie potential”, Mr Te’Nadii hopes his story will shine a light on continuing violence against children.
“My first hope is that the harmful life that was lived upon me will be recognised by the courts and the church and they will stand up and take accountability for what took place,” he says. “I want to get my message out that these stories are true, and they have happened in our backyards.
“There are so many people out there and they do need help, and this is what has happened and, believe it or not, behind closed doors still happens today.
“No child deserves to be hurt the way I was.”
Mr Te’Nadii also hopes the book will advocate in support of men’s mental health. He has lost many close friends, and his own son, to suicide.
“I didn’t step up and ask for help and when I finally had the chance to do it, I’d lost too many people I love.
“I want them to be aware that when someone is struggling it’s okay to need a hand. We all cry and we all bleed.”
If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
The Orphaned Soldier is available at bookstores.
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Information sessions will be held to highlight services available for our growing homeless population. WORDS: My Weekly Preview with AAP.
At least 650,000 new social homes are urgently needed as a result of the nation’s affordability crisis continues, St Vincent de Paul Society says. Vinnies’ national council president Claire Victory says more than 116,000 people are sleeping rough across the country every night and the federal government needs to intervene as a matter of urgency. The call coincides with National Homelessness Week, which concludes on August 7.
“The Society has repeatedly called for the federal government to establish a social housing fund of $10 billion to augment the efforts of the states and territories to address the chronic and growing shortage. Homelessness is no longer that stereotypical person sleeping rough. It’s people like you and me, just one life event away from a devastating change in circumstances.”
Older women are now the fastest growing group of people facing homelessness. Those who don’t own their own home and are affected by domestic violence are particularly vulnerable.
The report comes as Sunshine Coast
AAP
Council and Sunshine Coast Housing and Homelessness Network plan to deliver information sessions highlighting services and support available. They will be held from 10am to 2pm on August 10 at Caloundra Community Centre and August 12 at Maleny Neighbourhood Centre. Visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Living-andCommunity/Community-Safety/ Homelessness. Confirm prior to attending. Events are subject to restriction rules.
If you know someone experiencing homelessness or domestic and family violence, call the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753 or DVConnect: 1800 811 811.
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This year’s Generation Innovation Challenge features a diverse range of business concepts from young entrepreneurs. WORDS: Caitlin Zerafa.
The region’s youngest and brightest minds are coming together for the annual Generation Innovation Challenge.
Each year, the program empowers young entrepreneurs aged between 15 and 25 with the skills, training and business connections required to begin building their dream business concept.
Founder and chair of Generation Innovation, Ted O’Brien, began the program in 2015 and is looking forward to another successful year.
“One of the things I love most about the program is that it’s real,” Mr O’Brien says. “It’s not an academic exercise but a real-world opportunity for young people to unleash their innovative genius and take it to market.
“Now in its seventh year, the GI Challenge is proven to work and that’s why we keep on doing it.
“The Sunshine Coast is the most entrepreneurial region in Australia and it’s inspiring to see the next generation step up.”
This year features 15 young minds across 10 business ventures, which include a range of initiatives, from fashion to media and light-up learner plates.
“This year’s cohort is first class,” Mr O’Brien says.
“Their ventures are probably the most diverse in range that we’ve ever had, and I can’t wait to witness the development of these budding young entrepreneurs as the GI Challenge unfolds.”
GI participant Millie Gallacher hopes to address excessive plastic waste in the gardening industry with her initiative Growbags.
“My idea is to reduce plastic pollution and improve garden health by providing an alternative to single-use plastic plant pots,” Millie says.
Meanwhile, George Carpenter is hoping he can improve the health and wellbeing of horses through equine electromagnetic therapy with his venture Sunshine Coast Pulse Therapy.
In a bid to tackle to worsening housing crisis, Shelene Bailey is hoping to make a difference with Plastic Purpose Homes.
“My idea is to supply affordable and sustainable tiny homes to the homeless,” she says. These transportable, low-cost, tiny homes will be made from recycled plastic for those needing temporary accommodation.
The young entrepreneurs will progress through six stages, including signing up, a one-day summit, a polish phase, business panel, pitch development, and a pitch night. The overall winner will take home a $10,000 package to help launch their dream business.
Shelene Bailey
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CALLING ALL CREATIVES: HELP ESTABLISH OUR NEW CITY’S IDENTITY
One Sunshine Coast creative could play a vital role in helping to establish the identity of the new Maroochydore City Centre through the arts.
Artists are encouraged to create a selection of works that respond to the ground-up phase of the city centre with the successful applicant’s artwork displayed over a four-month period at the Metropolitan (the MET) creative precinct in the new CBD.
The campaign forms part of the yourcity.yourstory. arts-based program which gives people the chance to express, document and showcase their ideas, experiences and responses to the future city.
SunCentral city activation project manager Bronwyn Adams says the program invites the artistic community to engage in building the identity of the new city.
“Arts and culture play an important role in creating community and we’ve seen that over the life of the project so far with our diverse range of activations, which have helped breathe life into the CBD project,’’ she says.
“As well as $2000 commission fee, we will co-ordinate reproduction of the artwork on ACM (aluminium composite metal) board of up to 10 lineal metres on the scaffolding structure at the entrance of the MET.
“It’s a great opportunity for an artist to have their work on display in such a high-profile, central location where thousands of people converge each week for events, workshops, and visit the Colombian Coffee Co. Café right in the heart of the new Maroochydore City Centre.”
Submissions for the yourcity.yourstory. program close on August 26.
For full application details visit mccmetropolitan.com.au/your-cityyour-story. Play a role in giving feedback to Council on the ongoing implementation of the Integrated Transport Strategy – whether it be a discussion on specific projects, proposals, or emerging transport related issues.
Council is inviting you to nominate to join its Transport Community Reference Group.
Community input is vital to our success.
Scan the QR code or visit our website to submit your nomination.
sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/TCRG
07 5475 7272
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