Deadline extended for feedback on short stay local law

Noosa Council has provided a further two weeks consultation on a draft local law which aims to better manage short-stay letting and home-hosted accommodation in Noosa Shire.

Feedback is now open until May 28.

Mayor Clare Stewart said it was important all residents had adequate time to put forward their views.

“We have received substantial feedback already, but this 14-day extension should provide residents with the necessary time to make their submissions,” she said.

Cr Stewart said Council was forced to introduce a local law because the Queensland Government continued to ignore calls for a state-wide framework, unlike other Australian states.

New South Wales will introduce state legislation later this year.

“A state-wide framework would provide much more clarity and consistency for everyone, but the Queensland Government has put the onus back on local councils,” she said.

“We are trying to find a balance for all concerned because short-stay letting is important to our shire, but the impacts on residential amenity and anti-social behaviours continue to be an issue for some in our community,” the Mayor said.

Cr Stewart encouraged everyone to provide a written submission.

“This local law creates new minimum standards of behaviour and requirements for everyone and is aimed to protect our neighbourhoods from some of the anti-social behaviours caused by short stay properties,” Cr Stewart said.

The Short-Stay Letting Local Law would give Council a framework - above what the new planning scheme provided - to ensure property owners managed their properties and dealt with complaints.

Under the local law, owners must appoint a contact person whose contact details must be listed on the front of the property. The contact person must be contactable 24-hours and respond to all complaints within 30 minutes.

The Mayor said the introduction of the proposed local law would answer hundreds of submissions Council previously received about short-stay letting as part of the Noosa Plan consultation and consultation on the first draft of the local law back in 2019.

Written submissions can be made at shortstaylocallaw@noosa.qld.gov.au or mailed to Noosa Council.