The Local Government of Queensland (LGAQ) has welcomed a move by the Queensland Government to investigate the impact of short-term rentals on the state’s housing crisis.
LGAQ President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor, Mark Jamieson said accurate information about the housing market was critical to solving the housing shortage.
“Short-term rentals have their place, but right now we are in a housing crisis,” Mayor Jamieson said in Cairns at the LGAQ’s Annual Conference.
“The more information we have about the factors impacting this crisis to inform potential solutions, the better – and this review should help to do that.”
Mayor Jamieson said the LGAQ had strongly backed the Housing Summit being hosted by the Premier on Thursday.
“It builds on our long-standing call to the Federal Government to host a National Housing summit with all key stakeholder – because housing availability and affordability is impacting across Australia,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The LGAQ has also put on the table the need to consider incentives for property owners to transition from short-term accommodation to longer term rental accommodation in areas where this could help provide a more permanent roof over the heads of those currently locked out of the private rental market.”
The review announced by the State Government will help understand where this could be most effective, he said.
“Queensland councils have long been calling for a statewide code of conduct for hosts and guests of properties used for short-term holiday letting, and for a data sharing system to be established with online short-term accommodation providers to help councils appropriately manage any impacts in their local communities.”
“The LGAQ on behalf of councils would like to see these two elements progressed as part of the review.”
Mayor Jamieson said the Association has had productive discussions with online accommodation providers and believes there is industry support and momentum for change.
