2019-12-11 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                          11 DECEMBER 2019


Dwelling houses in low density residential zones were never intended or designed for visitor
accommodation as The Noosa Plan specifically designated areas elsewhere in the Visitor Mixed
Use zone and allowed for a mix of visitor and permanent in the Attached Housing zones.

While Noosa has had holiday rentals for decades they have not been regulated by Council and the
number has grown substantially through online booking platforms. Any further expansion of this
use into low density residential areas is not supported and is at odds with the purpose of these
areas being primarily for permanent residents of Noosa.

The external impacts on residential communities of short-term accommodation, where whole
properties are let un-hosted is recognised and clearly articulated in many of the submissions
received. The use of a dwelling for what is essentially a commercial operation has the potential
for significant impacts on neighbouring residential amenity due to increased activity levels with the
comings and goings of guests and ancillary support services, increases to dwelling occupancy
from an average of between 2.1 – 2.4 persons (census 2016) or 3.1 – 3.3 (Noosa Plan 2006
potential density) per permanent dwelling to up to 4 – 16 persons in a short-term accommodation
house, and the associated noise, parking, amenity and waste

Catering for the accommodation needs of tourists has always been an important part of Noosa
Shire’s tourism economy and continues to be. However, catering for tourists needs should not be
at the expense of ensuring adequate provision of a range in housing types for permanent residents.

The current Noosa Plan and the draft New Noosa Plan both designate what is considered to be
prime land along Noosa River and throughout extensive parts of Noosaville, Hastings Street,
Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach, and in Noosa Heads for short-term accommodation. Much of
which has been taken up for this purpose and can continue to be used for this purpose. In addition,
other locations in Noosa Heads are allocated for future tourist accommodation (5 star boutique)
short-term accommodation under the new Noosa Plan.

Further the New Noosa Plan has specifically enabled residents to take advantage of peak holiday
periods, to have more flexibility by renting out their home to short term guests while they temporarily
vacate it for no more than 60 nights a year (over no more than four occasions a year).

The New Noosa Plan preserve current and makes future provision for a wide range of tourist
accommodation types and it is considered that holiday makers have a range of accommodation
choices. The Noosa Plan also seeks to preserve and support these accommodation and tourist
properties for their intended and appropriate use in accordance with the appropriate zoning,
allowing this type of use to continue in low density residential zone is at odds with supporting the
existing tourist/visitor accommodation properties.

The New Noosa Plan further continues to support tourism and visitor accommodation and a range
of other short-term accommodation opportunities including:
     Tourist Accommodation zones with an increased number of existing sites in Noosaville and
      Noosa Heads now included in the zone compared to the current Visitor Mixed Use zone and
      2 significant sites identified for new high end / 5 star visitor accommodation;
     Short-term accommodation options in Medium and High Density Residential zones;
     Home hosted accommodation (traditional B&B style) in all residential zones, including freeing
      up requirements for home hosting from the current scheme making it easier to do;
     Short-term accommodation up to 60 nights per year in principal place of residence anywhere
      in the Shire;
     Designated tourist parks and camp grounds; and
     New provisions supporting nature based tourism in the hinterland and rural areas.

Many submissions call for an economic impact study stating the regulation of short-term
accommodation in the Low Density Residential zone will impact the economy. The regulation of

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