As the NSW Government moves forward with its review of the regulatory framework for short-term rental accommodation (STRA), State Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has highlighted the importance of community input on this complex issue. “I’m very excited to hear the community wants to provide feedback around short-term rental accommodation,” Ward stated. “I look forward to hearing the outcomes of the forum at Gerringong Town Hall on 5 December 2024 at 7:30 pm and would be more than happy to pass these views onto the Minister responsible.”

Ward acknowledges the two-sided nature of the STRA debate. On one hand, he recognises concerns that short-term rentals reduce housing availability for locals and contribute to noise disturbances. On the other hand, he emphasises the economic benefits. “Without larger hotel accommodation like the Central Coast, short-term accommodation fuels our local economy and generates jobs and employment. Many of our small businesses rely on tourism, and short-term letting brings a high-value, low-volume tourist.”

Finding a balanced solution is challenging. “We need to balance the various interests—from homes for locals to jobs for locals, and there is no one simple solution,” Ward remarked. His stance supports the idea of requiring a Development Application (DA) for short-term letting. “A DA consent condition could address issues like noise, and if owners don’t have clear rules or if these rules are repeatedly broken, the DA could be cancelled, and the property prohibited from short-term accommodation use.”

Ward’s comments align with the NSW Government’s broader review of the STRA regulatory framework, which began in early 2024 with extensive community and industry consultations. The government sought public feedback through workshops, a discussion paper, and an online questionnaire, gathering over 430 submissions and 2,400 survey responses from councils, booking platforms, property owners, and the tourism sector.

According to a NSW Government statement, “The feedback received will help ensure we strike the right balance between the benefits of short-term rental accommodation and the need to encourage more long-term rental options.”

The NSW Government is considering this feedback alongside other housing initiatives announced in the 2024-25 Budget, including:

• $5.1 billion to build 8,400 new social homes.
• $1 billion to repair 33,500 existing social homes.
• $655.1 million for key worker accommodation in metro areas and rural health worker housing.
• $555.5 million to expedite the planning system and housing infrastructure.
• $527.6 million for emergency housing and homelessness support.

In tandem with these initiatives, new rental laws aim to enhance tenant protections, including ending no-grounds evictions, increasing notice periods, and introducing a Portable Rental Bonds Scheme to ease tenant mobility between properties.

As the community awaits further updates, Ward’s commitment to represent the views of Kiama residents underscores the importance of local input in shaping a balanced approach to short-term accommodation that supports both the tourism economy and the need for long-term housing.

To learn more about the review of STRA and the public feedback, visit the NSW Planning Portal.