Gerringong’s South Precinct is calling on residents to discuss the growing impact of short-term rental accommodation (STRA) on local communities. Scheduled for 7:30 pm on December 5 at the Gerringong Town Hall, this meeting will provide a platform for locals across the Kiama Local Government Area (LGA) to share experiences and voice concerns about the rapid expansion of non-hosted STRA, particularly through platforms like Airbnb.

In recent years, coastal communities like Kiama have seen an influx of STRA listings, with up to 6.5% of housing stock dedicated to short-term rentals. In 2021 in Kiama alone, 498 properties were registered as STRA, with the largest concentrations in Kiama and Gerroa, followed by Gerringong, Werri Beach, and Kiama Downs. The community is concerned that STRA’s are transforming formerly quiet neighbourhoods into bustling, high-occupancy tourist zones. Once family homes some now accommodate groups of 10 or more people, far exceeding their original residential intent.

STR listing “density” in Kiama in 2018 was 6 times the Australian average Source Sydney University 2018

Residents are alarmed, especially as some STRA properties are purpose-built to function as high-occupancy tourist accommodations. As one South Precinct member stated, “We bought homes in a residential area, not expecting businesses and hotels as neighbours.”

Kiama Council has also expressed concern over this shift, particularly when new developments, approved as residential properties, are marketed as tourist rentals upon completion. In a submission to the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Council noted the troubling trend of residential housing increasingly being repurposed for short-term tourist stays, which, over time, reduces the availability of permanent housing and drives up costs for local families.

Source Kiama Council Report Evidence Base Short Term Rental Accommodation 

Across NSW, eight councils have implemented various restrictions on STRA, from capping the number of days non-hosted rentals can operate to requiring special permits and enforcing stricter compliance. Can Kiama Council consider similar measures—such as introducing a day limit for non-hosted STRA or requiring mandatory registration and annual fees? Could this offer residents some relief and discourage investors who prioritise profit over community well-being?

The NSW Fair Trading Code of Conduct for the STRA industry outlines responsibilities for hosts, guests, and booking platforms, including occupancy limits, noise regulations, and penalties for non-compliance. However, local residents report limited monitoring of this code, with disturbances from overcrowded, noisy STRA properties often left unchecked. The community meeting will discuss ways to navigate this Code and how it could be enforced more effectively to protect local neighbourhoods.

What You Can Do

Residents are encouraged to attend the South Precinct meeting to:

• Voice Concerns: Share experiences about noise, overcrowding, and safety issues related to STRA.
• Discuss Solutions: Explore how local council or state government actions could address the rising density of STRA in residential areas.
• Understand Regulations: Learn about the Code of Conduct and discuss ways to ensure better compliance.

“Politics is the Art of the Possible” This meeting isn’t just for those immediately affected, it's for everyone who wants to learn what is in council’s control and who we can lobby for change —anyone within the Kiama LGA is encouraged to participate, as proactive engagement can help prevent future disruptions in all neighbourhoods. With STRA affecting housing, affordability, and quality of life, action is crucial. The meeting offers a valuable opportunity to gather community input, with the aim of supporting the council in future decisions to balance tourism and community needs.