Publications
Member and Community Impact of Byron Shire's Short-Term Rental Cap: JWS Research Report
The controversial 60-day cap on most short-term rentals in Byron Shire will damage the region's visitor economy, reduce employment opportunities and fail in its core objective of increasing affordable and long-term rental supply.
These are among the major findings of a comprehensive new independent report into the impact of the 60-day cap by JWS Research through a mix of in-depth interviews, focus groups and online surveys with 150+ homeowners and community members.
ASTRA Submission Draft Amendments to Noosa Plan 2020
The recent discussions on changes to planning policy and regulatory frameworks for short-term rental accommodation (STRA) have highlighted diverse viewpoints on their impact on long-term residential accommodation (LTRA), housing affordability, and availability, with ASTRA advocating for balanced regulations that support both Noosa's tourism and local housing needs.
Read ASTRA’s submission draft amendments to the Noosa Plan 2020 below.
Proposed amendments to Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015
Existing Short Term Rental Accommodations (STRAs) approved by Local Government Authorities (LGAs) should be grandfathered under current policies, regardless of future zoning changes, recognising significant investments made by owners based on current guidelines and noting the generally positive impact on local communities, with additional concerns regarding the proposed Clause 61(9) in the new 2024 regulations.
Read ASTRA’s response to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage below.
Submission to the New South Wales Government
In response to the discussion paper published by the NSW Government in February 2024, ASTRA offers a set of recommendations to the government that defends short-term rental operators' positive contributions to communities and the economy, proposing balanced regulations and urging the government to adopt a STRA-based revenue measure to supports its tourism and housing initiatives with a staged implementation over 18-24 months to address housing concerns and support sustainable growth..
Read ASTRA’s submission to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure below.
ASTRA Submission - NSW Residential Short Stay Discussion Paper
Submission to the Government of Western Australia
In late 2023, the Government of Western Australia announced regulation and planning law reforms to the Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) industry in metro and regional areas in Western Australia. You can read more about the proposed reforms here.
Read ASTRA’s submission to the WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety below.
ASTRA Submission – Proposed STRA Reforms Western Australia 2023
City of Sydney Calls for Short-Term Rental Properties to Ease Housing Pressure
Calls from the City of Sydney have intensified debate over short-term rental regulation, with proposals to return more than 1,000 properties to the long-term rental market as part of efforts to address housing shortages. In this article, Yoav Tourel, Chair of the Australia and New Zealand Short Term Rental Association, is featured commenting on the proposed changes.
WA Rental Market Pressures Renew Debate Over Short-Term Stay Restrictions
A Shelter WA report has highlighted disparities between short-term accommodation supply and long-term rental availability across parts of Western Australia, renewing discussion around whether tighter planning controls may be required in low-vacancy areas. Tegan Wilde, co-owner of Geographe Holiday Homes, is featured in coverage responding to the findings.
Property Sector Responds to Proposed Short-Term Rental Restrictions in Sydney
Debate continues over proposed changes to Sydney’s short-term rental market, with property managers warning that tighter restrictions on Airbnb-style accommodation may not address underlying housing supply issues. Industry stakeholders point to broader structural factors driving affordability challenges and caution that stricter caps could impact tourism, local businesses, and flexible accommodation options. Georgia McAleer, General Manager of L’Abode Accommodation, is featured in coverage discussing the proposals.
2023 ASTRA Member Survey Highlights
ASTRA recently conducted an internal survey of its members to understand more about its members, STRA operators and businesses, and STRA visitors in the year to November 2023.
The survey results show that STRA provides a substantial contribution to the visitor economy, tourism and hospitality industries in Australia. While only an initial snapshot of a small portion of ASTRA members and STRA industry, the results will help to shape further research and ASTRA’s advocacy priorities in 2024.