Published on Friday, 10 November 2023 at 9:11:55 AM
The City of Busselton believes that the announced new regulations for un-hosted short-term rental accommodation in Western Australia, along with an incentive aimed at returning some properties to the long-term rental market, are a positive step forward to introducing a State-wide balance between combating the rental crisis and consistent regulation of un-hosted holiday accommodation.
The proposed incentive to encourage short-stay property owners to consider transitioning their property to the long-term market is consistent with the Council’s formal position in response to the rental crisis. Unoccupied dwellings made up 22% of the available housing in the Busselton region on census night. Local councils have limited powers to assist residents impacted by a lack of affordable housing.
Mayor Phill Cronin said “The City has done its best with a range of practical and advocacy measures to address short and long-term housing needs, including sending a plea to registered holiday home owners in August 2022 to consider returning their properties to the long-term market. While this had a small uptake, the announced financial incentive may see further uptake.”
“The City has had its own registration system and requirement for development approval in place for over a decade. It is pleasing to see that the proposed reforms recognise the important role short-term rental accommodation plays in the tourism accommodation sector in regional communities and is allowing for a localised approach.”
Currently all un-hosted short stay accommodation providers in the City of Busselton are required to obtain development approval and annually register with the City. Through registration there are a number of conditions applied to manage the impact on amenity to surrounding residential areas. Significant conditions imposed include a ban on unattended dogs at holiday homes, limitations on the number of guests, the name and number of the property manager to be displayed and a timeframe of 12 hours to address complaints.
The City will now seek clarification on the localised impacts the new regulations will have. Namely, in relations to how the new registration system will be regulated and how the controls that are currently applied to short-term rental accommodation within the City, through its registration system, will be incorporated.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (2021 - 2031) Key Themes Leadership: A Council that connects with the community and is accountable in its decision making.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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