- Proposed changes to the rules follow a 2019 inquiry into short stay accommodation
- Margaret River is proposing to stop holiday homes close to the town centre
- Community consultation is ongoing, and closes 4pm 28 April 2021
The Western Australian parliament held the Inquiry into Short-Stay Accommodation back in 2019, with the report tabled later that year.
It assessed the issue of disruption from players in the market like Airbnb, whether it made the market uneven and unfair, and made suggestions on how the market could change.
Recently, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River announced that it had started community consultation for proposed changes to short-stay accommodation rules following the inquiry.
The changes in Augusta – Margaret River
Margaret River is a popular holiday destination, home to some of Western Australia’s most well-known wine labels, national parks, and internationally renowned for its excellent surfing beaches.
The Shire stated the changes will “remove the ability for grouped dwellings to be used for holiday house purposes within proximity to the Margaret River Town Centre” under its Local Planning Policy No. 7 – Short Stay Accommodation.
It is said to “ensure that sufficient smaller, well located and more affordable long term rental accommodation continues to be available.”
Shire Director Sustainable Planning and Infrastructure Nick Logan said the move was to support “residents, workers and visitors in locally-appropriate ways.”
“The Shire has a robust framework surrounding holiday home approval that will complement the WA Government’s framework, which is yet to be fully developed,”
Nick Logan, Shire Director Sustainable Planning and Infrastructure
Mr Logan said that the move would help in managing “local accommodation for residents and visitors alike.”
Submissions are being accepted until 4:00 pm 28 April 2021.
