Whitsunday Regional Council defers decision on Cannonvale holiday rental

Community leaders are fighting to protect Whitsunday residents from ‘incessant’ parties and people ‘urinating off balconies’.

Small in number, but big in impact – neighbours’ complaints about a Cannonvale holiday rental have prompted Whitsunday Regional Council to review its handling of all short-term accommodation proposals, looking to other tourist spots like Noosa for inspiration.

Four objections to a proposed holiday rental at 13 Woodwark Crescent clearly made an impact on councillors considering the application at their August 11 meeting at Airlie Beach, with a lengthy debate ending in the deferral of the decision.

Division 1 and 2 Crs Jan Clifford and Al Grundy initially argued for the application’s refusal, citing “incessant” parties at the address, potential parking headaches, safety issues, and “unacceptable behaviour” such as people “urinating off balconies”.

Whitsunday Crs Al Grundy and Jan Clifford have raised questions over short-term accommodation approvals in the past. Picture: Kirra Grimes

Deputy Mayor Cr Mike Brunker however convinced the group to hold off on a decision that could have implications on future applications.

“If this one is to be knocked over, let’s knock them all over and not accept another one at the table,” he said.

“What I won’t accept is picking favourites here and there every time someone gets emotional.”

The adopted motion was to let the matter lie on the table “pending further discussions regarding existing planning scheme and policies around short-term accommodation”.

Cr Grundy pointed to Noosa an example the Whitsunday region should follow, with that council recently cracking down on short-term accommodation applications on the grounds that they were “eroding the supply of dwellings available to permanent residents”.

“The housing crisis is hitting regional locations, and Noosa’s looking at it seriously and they’re now refusing short-term accommodation,” Cr Grundy said.

“We really need to look at our own policies.

“I wonder if we’re even getting to the stage where we need to have a moratorium to at least consider where we’re going to go on this.”

‘Excessive noise, intoxicated guests’ not welcome

Objections centred on ongoing “inconvenience and disruption” to neighbours of the five-bedroom dwelling earmarked for conversion to short-term accommodation for up to eight people.

Several submissions during the public notification period claimed the house was already being used “illegally” to accommodate large groups of guests, with neighbours reportedly witnessing “excessive drinking, foul language, and loud music by the temporary residents who do not have a concern for the full-time residents”.

“I chose to live in Woodwark Crescent as there were no Air BnB or holiday let homes,” a submission signed Sandy and Richard Mathison stated.

“Short-term accommodation should NOT be allowed in quiet residential streets,” the submission continued.

Property owners Graham and Fiona Turner responded to concerns with a letter listing measures they had taken to ensure rentals only by clientele “suitable for the location”, including placing an age restriction on group bookings and marketing targeted towards families.

Property managers Whitsunday Holiday Rental also provided a detailed response, stating “Our objective is to nurture and preserve tourism while ensuring everyone enjoys and feels comfortable where they live”.

Council officers stated their support for the proposal on the grounds it is “generally in accordance with the Planning Scheme” and Development Services Director Neil McGaffin said the council could “have no expectation of success” should the property owner appeal a refusal.

A poll of our readers found the majority – 75 per cent – did not support the proposal.

The application is expected to be decided at the August 25 council meeting.