Short-stay restrictions closer

THE possibility of restricting new short-stay accommodation permits from being issued for entire homes in residential zones in the Hobart City municipality is a step closer to becoming a reality.

The idea was supported by the full council in March after it was suggested by Deputy Mayor Helen Burnet.

Council officers have since returned a report, which noted the move would likely increase the available homes on the long-term rental market and that decreases in supply normally resulted in increased rents.

There were 118 submissions in relation to the proposal, with 48 supporting it.

It was noted many submissions against the plan were made by people outside the Hobart City local government area.

“We’ve had comments from various organisations, peak bodies, national shelters, Shelter Tas, tenant’s union, Catholic Care,” Ms Burnet said

“Those peak bodies have been looking at this issue for a long time.”

Aldermen Simon Behrakis and Will Coats were against the amendment.

“I don’t think short stay accommodation is the bogeyman some are making it out to be,” Mr Behrakis said.

“I don’t think this is the right way to go about, I think it’s a sledgehammer to the entire sector.

“Mansions with four, five bedrooms aren’t relevant to the housing conversations, it’s not going to open up another house for use.”

The report was endorsed by the planning committee and will go before the full council to decide if it should recommend the Tasmanian Planning Commission approve the proposed amendment.

If it passes the full council, when it meets next week, the planning commission will hold hearings into the representations and make a determination in three months.