2023-03-07 Planning & Environment Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   7 MARCH 2023


Suggested improvements identified include:
     Setting a deadline for applications to be made under the local law;
     Undertaking compliance and enforcement on properties operating without an approval and
      properties without an approval sign;
     Improving communication and the website for residents on process, progress, approvals and
      complaints statistics;
     Cost of enforcement and complaints hotline should be through fees and charges and not
      subsidised by ratepayers.
Industry feedback
In summary, industry feedback and reaction to the requirements and regulations of the local law
from STA operators and guests was mixed in some areas, but the overall response was that the
local law was working well but could be better implemented with some improvements.
Suggested improvements include:
     Application forms to include fees and building classification requirements;
     Increased resourcing to assess the backlog of applications;
     Improvements to assessment timeframes, consistency and communication on application
      status;
     Improvements to the webpage and explanatory information on conditions, code of conduct
      and signage;
     Exempting onsite managed resorts.
Independent representations made to Council separate from the Stakeholder group were also
considered in the review.
Proposed actions
In response to stakeholder engagement, the following actions are proposed.
Resources and fees
   Increase resources to assess backlog of STA applications and undertake compliance action;
   Report and make recommendations to Council on the resourcing costs, fees and charges,
    including an annual renew fee.
Compliance
   Continue to identify STAs operating without approval;
   Reduce timeframe to submit an application within 14 days of being notified;
   Undertake compliance action for STA operating without approval;
   Undertake an audit and compliance action on STA approval signage;
   Require photographic evidence of approval sign for new approvals;
   Review agent signage and undertake compliance where necessary.
Information and messaging
   Continue to work with STA operators to improve the amenity outcomes for residents;
   Review Good Management Guide to determine if better guidance is required for operators on
    better informing guests of code of conduct obligations and ways to reduce residential amenity
    impacts;
   Continue to work with hotline on clear messaging and consistency in the complaints
    management. Particularly the process for STA operating without approval;
   Continue to liaise with stakeholders on implementation of local law.
Exemptions
   Review local law exemptions as part of the Tourist Accommodation zone spatial review being
    separately reported to Council in the coming months.

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