Mayoral candidate Gary Morgan calls for more Airbnb regulation

MELBOURNE lord mayoral candidate Gary Morgan is calling for more regulation of Airbnb properties as new figures show 11.6 per cent of visitors to Victoria’s capital use the accommodation share service.

MELBOURNE lord mayoral candidate Gary Morgan is calling for more regulation of Airbnb properties as new figures show 11.6 per cent of visitors to Victoria’s capital use the accommodation share service.

Mr Morgan says Airbnb properties bring down apartment values and harm the amenity for other residents.

Last week, police were called to an out-of-control party in North Melbourne at a property rented out short-term.

AIRBNB BEACHFRONT HOME TRASHED

MELBOURNE’S AIRBNB HOTSPOTS

MAYORAL CANDIDATES’ SURVEY

One of four police cars that were damaged when police tried to break up an Airbnb party in North Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

In the 12 months to March, 104,000 visitors to Melbourne stayed in rented houses or apartments, up from 66,000 a decade before.

“It is vital that the lord mayor of Melbourne pushes for legislative action from the state government to ensure that people renting such apartments stay for a minimum of one month which forces the traveller to invest in the maintenance of the apartment and surrounding amenities,’’ he said.

The aftermath of an Airbnb party that got out of control in North Melbourne. Picture: Ian Currie

Rival candidate Ken Ong is pushing for Melbourne to host the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneur Convention in September 2023. Mr Ong said the bid was supported by the state government.

Mr Ong, who is a committee member of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said the bid was supported by the state government.

The convention is expected to attract more than 5000 delegates from more than 100 countries.

Mr Morgan and Mr Ong are among 14 candidates contesting the mayoral by-elections.

Ballots have to be posted by 6pm on Friday, May 11.

The by-election has been called to replace Robert Doyle who resigned in February amid a sexual harassment scandal.

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