Whitsunday Regional Council proposes planning changes to short-term rentals
Ten beachside precincts could become the only areas where new short-term rentals are permitted in one North Queensland LGA with proposed planning changes aimed at balancing tourism needs with local housing concerns.
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New planning rules for the Whitsundays could dramatically reshape the short-term accommodation landscape, with proposed changes establishing specific zones where holiday rentals would be allowed while limiting them in other residential neighbourhoods.
Whitsunday Regional Council announced the amendments following community concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability for permanent residents.
The proposed amendments identified ten specific precincts where short-term accommodation would be supported in low-density residential zones and removed support for this type of accommodation in all other low-density residential locations.
The designated precincts include popular areas such as Shute Harbour, Brisk Bay, Dingo Beach, Hydeaway Bay, Conway Beach, Wilson Beach, and parts of Airlie Beach, North Mandalay, Queens Beach, and Horseshoe Bay.
These locations were selected based on their historical use for holiday homes, beachside character with coastal views, and the prevalence of current short-term accommodation approvals.
Importantly, the changes would not affect existing short-term accommodation that already has planning approval in any zone, home-based businesses where owners let a room while continuing to live on the property, or accommodation in zones other than low-density residential.
Council emphasised that while short-term accommodation played a crucial role in supporting the local tourism economy, an appropriate balance was needed to address community concerns about housing availability and residential amenity impacts.
The community consultation period runs until 5.00pm on Sunday, July 20, with feedback able to be submitted through Council’s online portal, email, post, or in person at community service centres across the region.
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Originally published as Whitsunday Regional Council proposes planning changes to short-term rentals
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