Snowy Monaro Regional Council has made a submission to the NSW Government on potential regulations for short-term rental accommodation in the state, with Council calling for a balanced approach that protects residents without impacting local tourism.
In the submission, Council acknowledges the benefits short-term rentals provide to the region's tourist industry. The submission also raises concerns about the impact these rentals are having on housing affordability and availability, especially in towns like Jindabyne near the Kosciuszko National Park snowfields.
'The data shows Jindabyne has a really high percentage of homes being used as short-term holiday rentals, rather than long-term rentals for residents,' said Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Chris Hanna.
'This reduces housing supply and makes it hard for workers and families to find an affordable place to live.'
The submission states that 27% of dwellings in Jindabyne are non-hosted short-term rentals, the kind of accommodation usually found on services like AirBnB and Stayz. Council highlights statistics that show only 14.8% of homes sold and 6.6% of rentals listed in Jindabyne in the past year were affordable for a household on average income.
While calling for measures to increase long-term rental supply, the submission recommends any new regulations balance the need for affordable housing with allowing short-term rentals that support the region's vital tourism economy.
'Tourism is the largest driver of our regional economy, and it's really important that future regulation doesn't hurt the Snowy Monaro's tourist industry,' said Mayor Hanna.
'But it's just as important to find a way to help locals and workers be able to afford live in the communities they support. We're grateful to the NSW Government for this opportunity to share our view, and look forward to continuing to work closely together to find a solution that works for everyone.'
Council's submission is available now on our website for the public to read in-full, visit snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au/News-and-Media/News-articles/Council-calls-for-balance-on-short-term-rentals
