Singing, clapping banned at holiday rentals in Noosa

Anyone hoping to visit Noosa, Queensland, will have to follow a set of strict new rules, with fears the changes could impact local tourism.

A popular Queensland holiday destination is introducing strict new rules for travellers booking short stay accommodation in the area in a bid to crackdown on noisy holiday-makers.

From February 1, a ban on “unacceptable behaviour” at holiday rental properties in Noosa will come into effect.

This means guests will be barred from “excessively loud” clapping, singing and cheering during their stay.

The legislation, which will be enforced by the Noosa Shire Council, also bans loud aggressive behaviour, yelling, screaming and arguing or creating “a level of noise which is in excess of the acceptable levels”.

This law applies to all short stay premises within Noosa, including for outdoor areas such as decks, balconies, swimming pools and spas.

Under the rules, ‘excessively loud’ clapping and cheering will be banned at short term rentals. Picture: iStock

The new laws also require a property manager to live within 20km of the short stay accommodation and be available 24/7, seven days a week, to receive and deal with any noise complaints.

The laws have been introduced in response to protect locals from excessive noise and disruptions as Noosa continues to grow as a popular holiday destination for interstate travellers.

However, there are fears the new rules could be exploited and have a negative impact on the tourism industry.

“It sounds like you can’t sit around a pool and enjoy your children in the pool,” Sue Willis from Niche Luxury Accommodation told Nine News.

“I think there are people out there who would prefer not to have a holiday house next to them and now they’ve got an open door for that complaint.”

But Noosa mayor Clare Stewart has stood by the decision, pushing back against concerns raised by industry insiders.

Noosa has long been a top holiday destination and has continued to grow in popularity over the years. Picture: Dave Wilcock

Ms Stewart told Noosa News that suggestions the laws would crackdown on simple things like ‘happy birthday’ songs were “ridiculous”.

“This law is to ensure that if there is excessive noise night after night, which can happen more regularly at holiday (properties), that action can be taken,” she said.

“Being a good neighbour is to assure we don’t have loud parties until midnight, 1am. That’s some of the complaints that council received.”

However, Noosa Short Term Accommodation Association chair Dave Langdon, also pointed out tourists weren’t the only ones to blame for making excessive noise.

“It’s easy to blame people who don’t live here and come and stay, but most are doing the right thing,” Mr Langdon told the publication.

“Plenty of people have problems with permanent (residents) but it’s only holiday lettings that’s being highlighted as a problem.”

He said, while the laws will catch some troublemakers, the association was “nervous” about the flow on effects the legislation could have on tourism and small businesses.

The legislation was introduced following two rounds of community consultation that saw hundreds of written submissions from both residents, short-say property owners and industry leaders.

The laws will be introduced as a 12-month trial and will be reviewed next year.