Airbnb criticises Noosa Council’s bid for new rules for short stay accommodation providers

The government has ruled out statewide regulations on the short-stay accommodation industry as Noosa Council forges ahead with its own rules.

The government has ruled out statewide regulations on the short-stay accommodation industry as Noosa Council forges ahead with its own rules.

Proposed rules for holiday accommodation owners at the tourist hotspot are out for public comment in a bid to address complaints about noise, traffic, and waste.

Noosa Council’s draft local law to regulate the operation of properties offered up as holiday rentals and home share sets out that managers of these properties must live within 20 minutes and address complaints within 30 minutes.

They would also need to register the property annually.

Airbnb head of public policy for Australia Derek Nolan said the council failed to get the balance right between the needs of hosts, guests, and residents.

“The proposed rules are effectively an assault on tourism in the region that would harm jobs and local businesses and hamper economic recovery at a critical juncture,” Mr Nolan said.

“Fair and balanced statewide rules – including a robust, industry-wide code of conduct – remain the best way to provide certainty for Queensland’s tourism economy at this critical point in time.”

He said retailers, cafes, restaurants, and pubs would also be impacted.

Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe speaks during Question Time at Parliament House in Brisbane. Picture: Dan Peled

NSW, Tasmania and South Australia have introduced statewide regulations for the sector.

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said short-term letting was best-managed by local councils on a case-by-case basis.

“In 2018, the Palaszczuk Government formed an industry reference group to look at the potential for a statewide approach to short-term holiday accommodation booked through online platforms,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“It became clear to the industry reference group that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work in Queensland.”

Residents have called on council to take a hard-line approach to protect the lifestyle they have long enjoyed.

Sunshine Beach resident Julia Craddock lives next door to a holiday rental and said they should be treated like businesses.

“There’s a difference between hotels, motels and backpackers and now we essentially have hotels run out of residential homes,” she said.

“With these short-term accommodation properties we‘re paying for them from being unable to live with this intrusion into our lives.”

Residents have until May 14 to have their say. Visit yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au for more.

Originally published as Airbnb criticises Noosa Council’s bid for new rules for short stay accommodation providers