Livable Housing Australia (LHA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for the advantages of Livable housing design in the residential design and construction sector. LHA collaborates with industry, community, consumer groups, and governments and is working towards greater inclusivity by implementing new Livable Housing Standards. These standards are intended to improve the accessibility and livability of homes, making them more suitable for people of all ages and abilities. They will be a game-changer in housing design in Australia, as they will make accessible housing a priority for developers, builders, and architects.
As of 1 October 2023, the Livable Housing Standards will come into effect in Queensland, Northern Territory and the ACT. In addition to the Livable Housing Standards, a new part of the Queensland Development Code (QDC) will become legislation on the same date, QDC MP4.5 – Livable dwellings and grading to floor wastes. The new QDC codes will have some differences for building surveyors practising in Queensland, and it is essential to be aware of the changes this code has over the Livable Housing Standard.
For instance, there will be additional exemptions in Queensland, such as affected dwelling and affected lot, which will be applicable until 31 March 2025.
Affected dwelling means a class 1a building that:
- has a floor area of 55 m2 or less;
- is wholly or predominantly manufactured off-site;
- is completed prior to 1 October 2023; and
- is installed prior to 31 March 2025.
Affected lot means a lot with a frontage of 12.5 metres or less in width that is:
- created prior to the date of publication of QDC 4.5; or
- created after the date of publication of QDC 4.5 and on or before 31 March 2025 but only if:
(a) a properly made application for a development permit for reconfiguring of a lot to create the lot is made prior to the date of publication of QDC 4.5; or
(b) the lot is identified in a disclosure plan under the Land Sales Act 1984 prior to the date of publication of QDC 4.5.
The implementation of Livable Housing Design Standards will significantly impact the design and construction of homes in Queensland. The new standards will create more inclusive communities and help people live independently and with dignity. By implementing these standards, the cost of unnecessarily expensive home modifications, longer stays in hospitals, and the need for relocation to find more suitable accommodation will be significantly reduced.
The Queensland Government has announced that the energy efficiency standards will commence on 1 May 2024 due to the delay in developing new energy efficiency software.
For more information on the Queensland Development code, please click here.
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