Photo: RENE RAUSCHENBERGER/ pixabay
Lockyer Valley Regional Council has changed its local laws to allow the short-term residential use of caravans.
The move, it says, is designed to help those struggling to find a place to call home.
The Lockyer Valley region sits between Brisbane and Toowoomba, less than an hour’s drive from the Brisbane CBD.
Councillor Cheryl Steinhardt (Regulatory Services Portfolio) says that, previously, living in caravans outside parks were subject to limited approvals.
“These approvals were limited to situations where a landowner wanted to reside in a caravan on their land while they constructed or renovated their home,” she says.
Cr Steinhardt said the changes give people an extra housing option amid low rental vacancy rates and cost of living pressures.
“While the state and federal governments carry the responsibility for meeting housing demand, allowing for the temporary use of caravans is a practical step local governments can take,” Steinhardt says.
“Not only does it benefit people waiting for a rental to become available or for a property to settle, it also supports people doing it tough.”
Cr Steinhardt says there are conditions in place to preserve standard of living for caravan occupants and to protect neighbouring amenities.
“For example, there must be a residential dwelling on the land with a potable water supply and toilet and shower facilities available to those residing in the caravan,” she points out.
“The caravan must not be used by more people than it is designed to accommodate, no grey water is to be deposited on site and specific boundary setbacks must be adhered to.”
LAW CHANGES
After community consultations earlier this year, council resolved last month to change its local law.
The changes, council says, allows landowners or occupiers to let family or friends reside in a caravan on their property at no charge for up to six months in a 12-month period without council approval.
These changes took effect on May 2 and will remain until December 31, 2027.
Council will also allow the use of a temporary home on a vacant lot for up to two weeks in any 52-week period without its approval.
