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

3.2.2.4 Rural Residential zone
The Rural Residential zone is clearly for “residential uses” however the zone supports and
makes consistent: dwelling houses, community residences, home based business, nature
based tourism and short term accommodation.
Despite the purpose of the zone providing for residential uses, land in the zone can be used
for short term accommodation and nature based tourism which don’t require a resident to
remain on site. Statistics show there has been an increase, whilst low numbers, in the use of
land in the Rural Residential and Rural zones for tourist accommodation purposes.
Whilst it is unlikely there would be extensive conversion of properties from permanent
residential to short term accommodation, the Rural Residential zone contributes significantly
to the provision of housing for permanent residents, and the zone is not intended for the sole
purpose of tourism.
Consideration should be given to making any form of tourist accommodation and short term
accommodation an inconsistent use unless the resident remains on site, to safe guard the land
primarily for permanent residential uses as a priority.
Note: At its meeting on 18 August 2022, Council resolved to consider limiting short term
accommodation of a dwelling house to sites over 4ha in response to amenity concerns,
however it was determined by staff this matter needed to be dealt with in the broader landuse
context of the appropriateness of all forms of tourist accommodation, including short term
accommodation and nature based tourism, neither of which require a resident on site, as part
of this report.


3.2.2.5 Rural zone
The purpose of the Rural zone is clearly primarily for rural uses and activities with other
complementary compatible uses. The additional uses are further expressed in the outcomes
with a number related to the provision of a range of tourist accommodation types. The zone
supports and makes consistent: caretaker’s accommodation, community residences, dwelling
houses, home based business, nature based tourism, rural workers accommodation, short
term accommodation, tourist park, function facility and tourist attraction.
Similar to the issues raised above for the Rural Residential zone, nature based tourism, short
term accommodation, tourist park, function facility and tourist attraction are consistent uses
which do not require a resident to remain on site. Whilst it is unlikely there would be mass take
up and conversion of rural lands for tourist purposes, rural land contributes to housing stock
for permanent residents, and its primarily purpose is for agricultural purpose occupied by
residents, with additional value added complimentary uses.
As with the Rural Residential zone, provided the resident remains on site a range of supporting
visitor accommodation would be appropriate, but the conversion of rural land for the sole
purpose of visitor accommodation compromises the zone intent and supply of housing stock.
Any proposals where a resident was not to remain onsite should require impact assessment.


3.2.2.6 Centre zones
Whilst not a specific consideration for this report, it should be noted the Major and Local Centre
zones both support a range of housing types as well as short term accommodation uses. The
District Centre zone only allows for short term accommodation on specified sites, otherwise it
is an inconsistent use.
Further consideration should be given to the purpose of the Centre zones in relation to the
provision of small dwellings for permanent residents and provision of tourist accommodation.
As there is already a specific Tourist Accommodation zone for tourist accommodation in a
mixed use format, there is considered no need to compromise the centres’ contribution to new

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Noosa Council Monitoring Report 2022/23