Noosa Council introduces new short stay accommodation local laws

Problem short stay properties will be the first on Noosa Council’s radar as it enforces tough rules for holiday homes and units with misbehaving tenants.

Problem holiday homes and units are the first on Noosa Council’s radar as it enforces tough rules to crackdown on party houses in residential streets.

Noosa became the first local government in Queensland on February 1 to introduce a local law enforcing strict rules for short stay accommodation.

It comes at a $2.5m cost over five years with four people employed, security firms on standby and a 24/7 complaints line introduced.

Property owners have been urged to register their short stay homes and units as soon as possible despite the council not yet confirming the costs associated.

Fees have been waived until June 30, 2022, but owners need to apply before that date to take advantage of the free period.

A spokesman said properties with previous complaints would be contacted to have owners submit an application first.

Homeowners also must put in place a contact person available 24/7 who lives within or works within a 20km radius of the home and can respond to complaints.

“There will be a transition period over the coming months for STA properties to gain an approval and enforcement measures to take place,” he said.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the new short stay accommodation rules were in response to community concern. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

Mayor Clare Stewart said the rules were a response to calls from the community and similar to what is in place at the Mornington Peninsula.

She said with the absence of statewide regulation, the council “had to act”.

Under the local law, owners of properties let out to short-stay guests must apply for an approval which must be renewed annually, and nominate a contact person to swiftly deal with problems reported via the hotline – [phone].

A council spokesman confirmed property owners would have a “reasonable amount of time” to apply.

“It will take some time to process applications for all of the short-stay properties, as well as build the list of nominated contact people, but in the meantime complaints can still be made via the hotline and they will be investigated,” Ms Stewart said.

The new code of conduct cracks down on “excessively loud” behaviour like “cheering, clapping or singing”.

“It’s not about stopping guests from having a good time, it’s simply making sure they’re mindful that they’re holidaying on residential streets where people permanently live,” Ms Stewart said.

The rules have received criticism from the sector including from Stayz corporate affairs director Eacham Curry who said in October that it could lead to fewer holiday homes.

The short stay accommodation provider called on the council to instead advocate for statewide regulation.

Ms Stewart said with the majority of Noosa’s 5000 short stay properties with out-of-town, interstate or international owners, the council had to manage the sector.

The council is expected to determine application and renewal fees at its next budget review.

“Where these properties continue to be used for short term accommodation and no application is received by council within a reasonable period, Council will seek to remedy this by taking compliance action … which may include issue of infringement notices.”

Originally published as Noosa Council introduces new short stay accommodation local laws