by Andrew Squires
The Future Noosa group, which is standing three candidates at Noosa’s next local government election, has asked Noosa Council to ensure it protects residents’ interests in determining its short term letting policy.
“We agree that the council needs to develop a clear policy to effectively manage the problems associated with the profusion of Airbnb-type commerce,” said councillor candidate Andrew Squires, “ but we don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater – and in this case the baby is the best interests of residents.”
Mr Squires said the final decision by council, whether it be codified in the new Noosa Plan or made part of a local law to be determined next year, must include four protections for the community.
“The way the policy is presently structured will present many property owners with major costs in applying for development approval for short term letting of whole houses or units,” he said.
Mr Squires said the council application fee alone would be of the order of $2,000 to $9,000, depending on zoning, and hiring consultants to prepare a complex development application could cost thousands more.
“We believe, whatever decision the council makes, it must not cost owners more than a nominal sum to register their properties for short term letting,” he said. “A process that costs many thousands of dollars is totally unacceptable.
“The policy must also not disadvantage home owners commercially when they want to sell their properties and it must not discriminate between residents on the basis of where they live. In addition the financial impacts on cleaners, tradespeople and other suppliers who service these residences must be front of mind when councillors consider voting for the policy.”
Mr Squires said short term letting is a complex issue beset with legal complications. “The council has changed the goalposts a number of times and it is imperative this matter not be rushed through. The council must give the community time to understand and consider the implications of its latest version.
“Of paramount importance is that, in this incredibly complex matter, the community must be protected from any unintended consequences. “Future Noosa candidates are concerned that these consequences have not been adequately considered,” Mr Squires said.”
