Has your neighbourhood been impacted by the growing number of large STRA? Has unreasonable noise/behaviour disturbed your peace? Is a house nearby advertising accommodation for 10-18 people?? If you answer no to the above, just be aware, it can change overnight.

It’s time to discuss the increase of non-hosted STRA in the Kiama Local Government area, the impact of such development and the apparent lack of monitoring of The Code of Conduct.

The evolution of Airbnb is causing concern, as a house that once housed 1 family can now turn into holiday accommodation to house 15 or more people. Sadly, with the ballooning of these (sometimes purpose built) commercial properties comes a myriad of problems and disturbances to once peaceful streets. We buy in residential zones to have neighbours, not businesses/hotels in the midst.

Council is aware of our housing stock being used increasingly for tourist accommodation rather than permanent residencies. It stated in its submission to NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces:

"It is particularly concerning in certain localities within our Local Government Area when developments are assessed through a Development Application process as residential accommodation only to once built be marketed and promoted as solely tourist accommodation.” 

What is council doing to stop this?

What can council do to help permanent residents? Eight councils in NSW are now restricting STRA in various ways. If Kiama Council were to do so it would be a starting point and make us less attractive to the increasing number of STRA investors who are out to make money with little regard to the disruption of neighbours’ peace and comfort. 

NSW Fair Trading has a Code of Conduct for the STRA Industry can someone help residents to navigate it? 

You are encouraged to attend the South 

 Precinct Meeting, in Gerringong Town Hall at 7:30pm on Dec 5. The discussion is for everyone that comes under Kiama Council LGA”

Concerned Members of the South Precinct