As a result of concerns expressed by some coastal councils about the effects of rapid growth in listings on platforms such as Airbnb and Stayz the Association conducted a survey into the impact of short-term holiday rental services on coastal communities.
The survey was developed in association with Professor Nicole Gurran, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Sydney. Professor Gurran is co-author of a study into the effectiveness of local planning controls in relation to properties listed on online platforms such as Airbnb.
The questionnaire was designed to survey coastal councils about experiences with Airbnb and similar services in their local area and to identify responses that have already been developed. The survey was conducted in March and April 2017 and the results formed the basis for a keynote speech and workshop session presented by Professor Nicole Gurran at the 2017 Australian Coastal Councils Conference, which was held at Redcliffe in Queensland on 4 May.
In the report summary, Professor Nicole Gurran indicates the need for further research to identify potential responses to the issues identified in the findings in terms of councils’ planning frameworks, rating regimes, licensing, and complaints mechanisms.
Professor Gurran points out that coastal councils need different tools and strategies to address different sets of concerns around the amenity, tourism, infrastructure, cost burdens, and potential housing market impacts which are affecting local areas in different ways. She says there is likely to be much benefit in sharing knowledge and practices between councils across coastal Australia and in adapting emerging international responses for the local context.
The Australian Coastal Councils Association Inc is proposing to conduct more detailed research into this matter in conjunction with Professor Gurran. It is proposed to conduct the study on a collaborative basis with councils that wish to participate.
Click here for the survey results