2026 LGAQ CONFERENCE MOTIONS & COUNCILLOR ATTENDANCE (Referred from the General Committee Meeting dated 7 July 2026 - Item 7.7) · Attachment 3 - Short-term accommodation

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What is the desired
                            This motion seeks targeted State Government reform to
outcome sought?
                            modernise the operation of existing use rights as they apply to
(required) 200-word limit
                            short-term accommodation in Queensland, particularly in low
                            density residential zones experiencing acute housing and amenity
                            pressures.
                            The desired outcome is the establishment of a clear statutory
                            framework that limits and progressively phases out non-hosted
                            short-term accommodation operating under existing use rights. A
                            key mechanism is enabling existing use rights to lapse upon
                            transfer of property ownership, supporting a gradual, market-
                            based transition of affected dwellings to permanent residential use
                            without retrospectively removing lawful uses.
                            The reforms are designed to deliver a balanced and proportionate
                            response, better aligning land use outcomes with contemporary
                            planning intent. They will support the restoration of residential
                            character and improve access to long-term housing for local
                            communities, including key workers.
                            Importantly, the framework maintains support for low impact
                            home-hosted short-term accommodation and non-hosted short-
                            term accommodation where these uses are permitted under the
                            relevant local planning scheme and all necessary approvals have
                            been obtained. The framework also provides flexibility through an
                            opt-in model for local governments.
                            Collectively, these measures would strengthen Queensland’s
                            capacity to respond to housing supply challenges, support
                            sustainable tourism, and manage future demand pressures.
Background                  Over the past decade, short-term accommodation has grown
(required) 350-word limit   significantly across Queensland, driven by online platforms such
                            as Airbnb, Booking.com and Stayz. While this sector provides
                            important economic and tourism benefits, the expansion of non-
                            hosted short-term accommodation in low density residential areas
                            has created increasing tension between planning intent and actual
                            land use outcomes.
                            Although many local governments have strengthened planning
                            schemes and developed local laws to regulate and manage new
                            short-term accommodation uses, a substantial proportion of
                            properties continue to operate under existing lawful use rights
                            under the Planning Act 2016. These rights generally apply
                            indefinitely and transfer with the land, limiting councils’ ability to
                            respond to evolving housing needs, amenity impacts and
                            community expectations.
                            As a result, dwelling houses may continue to operate as short-
                            term accommodation in areas intended for permanent residential
                            use. This constrains local governments’ ability to manage
                            cumulative impacts, maintain residential character and return
                            housing stock to the long-term market.
                            Against the backdrop of statewide housing supply and affordability
                            challenges, the continued use of dwellings for non-hosted short-
                            term accommodation represents a growing policy concern, as it
                            reduces the availability of long-term rental and ownership

                                                                                                 June 26
                                                                                          Wilson Crawley

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                            opportunities, particularly in high-demand coastal and lifestyle
                            locations.
                            There is a growing consensus among local governments on the
                            need for targeted, State-led reform. The proposed approach is
                            measured and balanced, avoiding retrospective removal of lawful
                            uses, while enabling a gradual transition over time.
                            Key elements include limiting existing use rights for non-hosted
                            short-term accommodation, preventing their transfer on sale,
                            retaining support for low-impact home-hosted accommodation,
                            and enabling an opt-in model for councils.
                            This approach would better align land use with planning intent,
                            support housing supply, protect residential amenity and
                            encourage investment in appropriately located and purpose-built
                            visitor accommodation, critical as Queensland prepares for the
                            Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Case study/ Example         Across Queensland, entire dwelling houses within low-density
(optional) 350-word limit   residential zones are increasingly being utilised on a permanent,
                            commercial basis for non-hosted short-term accommodation. In
                            effect, many of these properties operate year-round as visitor
                            accommodation within neighbourhoods intended for long-term
                            residential occupation.
                            While Noosa Plan 2020 introduced enhanced regulatory
                            provisions for new development, alongside the Short Stay Letting
                            and Home Hosted Accommodation Local Law to manage
                            operational impacts, these mechanisms do not address the
                            entrenched legacy of existing use rights. This has created a
                            structural regulatory gap, whereby a substantial cohort of
                            properties remains outside the effective reach of contemporary
                            planning controls.
                            In Noosa alone, approximately 467 dwelling houses in residential
                            areas are currently used for non-hosted short-term
                            accommodation and could potentially otherwise contribute to the
                            long-term rental market. This highlights a clear and immediate
                            opportunity for legislative reform to support improved housing
                            supply outcomes for residents and key workers across
                            Queensland.




                                                                                              June 26
                                                                                       Wilson Crawley