Brisbane is set to introduce major reforms aimed at balancing short-stay accommodation needs with neighbour concerns. The Schrinner Council’s changes come after a year-long inquiry led by Brisbane Civic Cabinet Chair for Finance Fiona Cunningham. The investigation found that long-term residents were worried about security, overcrowding, noise, and anti-social behaviour due to short-term rentals.
Despite these concerns, the Taskforce found that less than one percent of Brisbane’s homes were used for short-term accommodation. This sector plays a crucial role during peak times, such as major events, by supplementing the city’s hotels. However, current regulations make it difficult for the Council to manage short-stay activities due to the high standard of evidence required to prove unlawful use.
Key recommendations include a new local law requiring property owners to obtain a permit to operate short-stay accommodations. Property owners must show proper planning approval, have a 24/7 property manager, and adhere to a guest code of conduct. The Council will also develop a tool to help owners map their compliance with all regulatory requirements.
The Council will advocate for changes in state planning laws, a statewide register of short-stay accommodations, and reforms allowing body corporate to pass by-laws prohibiting or restricting short-stay accommodations in their buildings. The new local law will enhance the Council’s ability to regulate short-stay accommodations and hold hosts accountable.
An initial assessment indicates that approximately 424 short-stay properties in Brisbane’s low-density residential areas may not qualify for the new permits and will need to return to the long-term rental market or face fines.
The Council’s report also considered approaches from other regions, including Noosa, Cairns, Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Vancouver, London, Berlin, and Edinburgh. Existing transitory accommodation rating categories will continue, with a 10 percent surcharge in the 2024-25 Budget to encourage properties to return to the long-term rental market.
The Taskforce welcomed the State Government’s February announcement of a registration scheme for short-term rental properties, like Airbnb, and their support for councils implementing new policies. The 2024-25 Budget will fund the fast-tracking of the new local law’s development and enforcement.
Community consultation and State Government approval are required before the new local law can be implemented.
Top Suburbs Paying Transitory Accommodation Rates (as of 1 June 2024):
- Brisbane City – 280
- Fortitude Valley – 201
- South Brisbane – 185
- Bowen Hills – 164
- Hamilton – 100
- Milton – 83
- New Farm – 53
- Spring Hill – 52
- Kangaroo Point – 50
- Teneriffe – 39
Councillor Fiona Cunningham, Chair of the Short-Stay Accommodation Taskforce, emphasised the need for balance: “Brisbane has been Australia’s fastest-growing capital city over the last decade, and we need to balance short-term accommodation during peak demand with resident concerns. The new local law will help regulate where short-stay accommodations are allowed and ensure proper behaviour by operators and guests.
“Short-stay accommodation brings economic benefits to Brisbane, especially during major events. However, residents are frustrated with their residential buildings turning into mini-hotels. More needs to be done to hold operators accountable and address complaints, and the Council needs the authority to manage non-compliant operators effectively.
“While the Council has a role, the State Government should also enact reforms to better regulate the short-stay sector. We support the State in overhauling laws to allow bodies corporate to prohibit or restrict short-stay accommodations in their buildings.”
This shake-up aims to ensure a more harmonious coexistence between short-term rental operators and Brisbane residents, balancing economic benefits with quality of life concerns.
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