Hotels are proper place for short term rentals, not suburban homes

HOTELS and motels are designated businesses (with strict regulations), for Gold Coast tourists. They are purpose built for short term visitors and are zoned accordingly.

Residential houses (and associated zoning) are for residents.

Where once a neighbouring property housed a husband, wife, and on average, two-three kids, our neighbouring property now houses, on average, 15-17 people per day who are celebrating not working 24/7, filling three-four bins to capacity on display 24/7 in our street and are clogging the streets with their cars as a result of the residence only supplying parking for a ‘normal’ household.

Michael Corr (‘Lair Bnb’, GCB, 1/5/18), we are with you.

Neighbours are the social fabric of suburbia. Short-term rentals amidst rate-paying residents must be limited to ensure the ratio of caring GC citizens, who take pride in their community, far outweigh the number of shortterm renters who have no connection with the residential community, and no respect for the routines of true residents.

Let’s follow the lead of New York and Paris and make 30-day stays the minimum. That way, visitors may feel more inclined to respect their neighbours and their neighbourhood.

If visitors want to stay for fewer days, book a hotel or motel in the appropriately zoned tourist zones. There are plenty of vacancies along the coastal strip and hoteliers are crying out for business.

Until a councillor lives next to a holiday home, it seems there will be no true regulation or action.

It has been a long time since a councillor represented the people of the Gold Coast, Dawn Crichlow excepted.

CAROL, BROADBEACH WATERS