YIMBYs Spruik Heaven-Sent Solution for Qld Housing

The YIMBY—Yes In My Backyard—movement is urging the Queensland government to look to California’s example to lift housing supply as an update to the masterplan for development in the state’s south-east is finalised.

Hundreds of submissions are being considered for the final version of the ShapingSEQ 2023 Update due in December.

While there are submissions from NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard) it is the new YIMBY movement making waves, putting forward a pro-development idea with a twist.

YIMBY Qld co-founder Natalie Rayment said its submission referred to a Californian housing act for the use of land for religious or higher education, colloquially known as the YIGBY Bill, that is, Yes in God’s Backyard.

“The act prescribes for a minimum of 75 per cent of units to be dedicated to lower-income households, with a maximum of 20 per cent for moderate-income households and 5 per cent for staff of the institution that owns the land,” Rayment said of the US state’s plan.

“Lands owned by religious, education and not-for profit institutions are abundant in our cities, and often in existing communities with a high level of amenity. 

“Locations with ample accessibility, recreational facilities and proximity to education, healthcare and services represent a logical model for affordable housing implementation, enabling a greater opportunity for societal participation and improved livelihoods.”

The group also wants to amend the definition of affordable housing to ensure consistency across the state and cut red tape so housing on this type of land could be fast-tracked.

▲ A render of the planned St Paul’s Commonson land owned by St Paul’s Episcopal Church at Walnut Creek, California. 

Using this category of land for affordable and social housing is already happening in other states including near-station developments on church land in Sydney and the sale of surplus university land for housing in Melbourne.

In the draft plans to 2046, the Queensland government has a target of an extra 2.4 million homes with 20 per cent of those to be social or affordable housing.

It also updates the consolidation to expansion ratio from 60:40 to 70:30 for these new homes to encourage gentle density and tackle urban sprawl.

Other popular submissions during the consultation process included creating a bridge to Russell Island in the southern end of Moreton Bay, development intensity around Noosa and the protection of green spaces in the city and regional areas.