IPC hears of holiday letting pros and cons

The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) held its public hearings last week over two days, with commissioners hearing from organisations and residents on the negative and positive impacts from holiday letting.

The IPC is collating submissions around Council’s plans to introduce a precinct model to regulate the short-term rental accommodation (STRA) industry, something that has been strongly opposed by the sector.

After Planning Minister Anthony Roberts (Liberal) reneged late last year on an agreement for Council to self-regulate the industry, he asked both the IPC and the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) to provide recommendations to ‘improve housing affordability and rental availability in the Byron Shire’. The reports will inform the ministers’ views as to whether Council can proceed with its adopted policy. 

Other NSW councils already have precinct models in place.

Apart from presentations by DPE, councillors and the STRA sector, speakers included Kim Goodrick, Jan Barham, David Wallace, Leone Bolt, Liz Friend, Sabine Muschter, Holly English, Chris Kerin, and Belinda Lewis.  

Deb Summons, representing the Byron Chapter of the Australian Short Term Rental Association (ASTRA), argued that holiday homes are not suited to become or return to the rental market, something echoed by Reid Campbell from Byron Bay Holiday Hire. 

Ocean Shores pharmacist, Brett Dyer, explained to the panel how difficult it is to find and retain staff owing to the housing shortage. 

With her submission, Tricia Shantz quoted the 1993 book Ground Rules, Social Planning for Local Government, by Colleen Menzies: ‘Communities become ghettos when their social dynamics are destroyed and their sense of community pride is replaced by wanting to move elsewhere’. 

For more information visit www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au.