Victims of Holiday Letting (VOHL) have read all submissions that have been posted for the inquiry by the Independent Planning Commission into Byron Shire’s proposal to institute a 90-day cap for short-term rental accommodation (STRA).
One submission is less than edifying, where Mr Michael Murray, who states that he is a local buyers’ agent, has completely misrepresented VOHL’s position. We certainly have been ‘strong vocal critics’, as Mr Murray says, of those STRA that continue to damage residential amenity. We have also criticised the flaws in the STRA regulations and the current 180-day cap in mainly residential zones.
Mr Murray says, ‘The VOHL lobby who want to completely eliminate HL (holiday letting) need to work through the implications of their request. This result could…destroy tourism in Byron Bay’. This misrepresents VOHL’s position – our members have always recognised the value of tourism to the Byron Shire community.
Initially VOHL wanted the regulation, that short-term holiday letting was illegal in residential zones without DA approval, to be applied by Council. This was supported by Land and Environment Court landmark decisions.
When Council, and later the state government, initiated the process of regulating STRA VOHL compromised its position and became involved in making submissions for regulation.
VOHL’s position is that STRA and community interests could co-exist, and VOHL recognises that the rule of law, and treating all stakeholders with respect, should apply.
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