2022-11-14 GC Agenda - Item 4 - Attachment 1 - Short Term Accommodation Monitoring Report 2022

Smaller, more affordable dwellings are located in the Medium and High Density Residential
zones, however both these zones continue to allow short term accommodation as a consistent
use, with no clarity as to the priority between permanent housing for residents and short term
accommodation for visitors. Whilst it is recognised most dwellings in these zones have use
right for both short term accommodation and permanent occupation, future infill development
for these zones are an important contribution to future permanent housing stock.
With the Medium and High Density Residential zones providing the only opportunity to meet
future housing supply for small affordable dwellings, the current provisions in NP2020
compromise the future provision of housing for Noosa’s most needy and vulnerable residents.
Likewise, the Rural and Rural Residential zone contributes significantly to housing supply, and
often offer more affordable family living, however short term accommodation and nature based
tourism are both consistent uses in the zone, neither of which require a resident to remain on
site compromising future housing supply.


Short term accommodation
Since the April 2020 Tourism Carrying Capacity Analysis was undertaken, there has been an
increase in the number of dwellings being used for short term accommodation, despite the
impacts of COVID-19 throughout the last 2 years, the high demand for permanent rental
properties, introduction of the new local law and changes made by NP2020 making short term
accommodation in the Low Density Residential zone an inconsistent use.
Overall the use of dwellings for short term accommodation grew by 5.7% over the 2 year
period, which means housing stock for permanent residents was reduced by 5.7%. Given past
growth, the use of dwellings for short term accommodation is likely to continue to grow if left
unregulated. This is particularly the case for the Medium and High Density Residential zones,
where most existing properties have use rights for both permanent of short term
accommodation and short term accommodation is a consistent use under NP2020 to be taken
up by future new development.
The actual true number of dwellings with use rights for short term accommodation, (currently
permanently occupied) is high and would constitute a significant majority portion of all multiple
dwelling stock due to legacy issues from past planning scheme approvals allowing for
interchangeable use rights, which is the majority of the current multiple dwelling supply.
Continued growth in dwellings converting to or being development for short term
accommodation is of high concern for current and future housing supply., particularly within
residential zones intended for permanent housing supply.
Together with the extent of Tourist Accommodation zoned land and hotel style accommodation
currently being proposed, the supply of tourist accommodation overall, including short term
accommodation, is considered adequate to meet current and future visitor accommodation
needs particularly given the average occupancy rate and latent supply during non peak times.


4.2 Economy and employment
Noosa’s economic and employment base is heavily reliant on tourism and hospitality and many
businesses support these industries. Whilst Noosa Council is seeking to diversify the economic
and employment base, to move to high value and low environmental impact and smart
industries, to be less reliant on volatile industries such as tourism, it remains an integral and
important part of the economy.
Many residents have businesses reliant on the tourism and hospitality related industries or rely
on being employed in these industries.




                                                                                         pg. 128
Noosa Council Monitoring Report 2022/23