‘Act now on holiday lets’

AN accommodation giant has called on the State Government to take action on shortterm rentals, nine months after the Tourism Minister committed to a draft code of conduct.

Stayz, an online accommodation body, has called for a statewide register of holiday rentals such as Airbnb hosts and seasonal accommodation and a mandatory code of conduct to be implemented as soon as possible.

In July 2018, Minister Kate Jones announced a draft code of conduct for short-term rentals along with a “strikes and you’re out” policy would be presented to government by an industry reference group before the end of the year.

However, nine months later members of the reference group say the process has stagnated.

“We have been a little bit concerned about the time it has taken to bring the code of conduct forward,” Eacham Curry, Stayz director of government and corporate affairs, said.

“It is prudent to take some time to get it right but it does seem to be taking some time to get on with it. The state should move promptly ... which will allow local councils to bring their own processes in place.”

Stayz has argued that a statewide registration system, packaged with a mandatory code of conduct, will ensure homeowners subscribe to the ground rules for listing a property.

There are more than 2000 properties listed with Stayz on the Gold Coast, with Surfers Paradise (633), Broadbeach (271) and Coolangatta (186) being the most popular spots.

“A code of conduct will give the wider community more certainty that complaints about noise, overcrowding or anti-social behaviour will be dealt with swiftly and decisively,” Mr Curry said.

“We are regularly urging the government to move forward on this matter.”

A government spokesman said the process was under way and a formal response would be made public in coming months.

“We continue to work closely with the industry reference group on recommendations in response to short-term letting,” the spokesman said.

“Many of the powers to regulate this sector are already available to local councils. The City of Gold Coast have embraced this legislation to crack down on party houses.”

Unit Owners Association Queensland Representative Mike Murray has, however, refuted the claims that the issue of short-term rental mismanagement is being dealt with.

“Council and government should enforce the planning laws already in place to deal with the issue, but they don’t.”

Mr Murray said he was glad a code of conduct was not in place to legitimise the practice of short-term letting in residential areas.

“A code of conduct doesn’t mean much, it would just passively condone the practice and put the duty to chase up a dispute back on the aggrieved,” Mr Murray said.

Shadow Tourism Minister David Crisafulli said the government had left the sector waiting.

“If governing was about the number of media releases you issue saying you’re going to do something Kate Jones would be a star minister,” he said.

“Unfortunately for her it’s about following through on what you tell the world you are going to do.”