Short-Term Accommodation: Proposed Local Law Changes

Council is proposing amendments to Subordinate Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2014 to refine how short-term accommodation (STA) is licensed and managed in the Whitsundays. View our fact sheet and review associated documents, including:

• Existing Subordinate Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2014
• Proposed Amendment to Subordinate Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2014
• Local Law Amendment Public Interest Test Plan
• Public notice

The proposed changes aim to improve compliance and strengthen accountability where STA impacts residential amenity. They build on Council’s recently adopted Planning Scheme amendments, which focus on where STA is appropriate, while the Local Law focuses on how STA operates. The Planning Scheme Amendment to create STA precincts in the Low density residential zone will commence on 30 March 2026.

Key proposed changes include:

• Clarifying which accommodation types do not require an STA licence where they are already regulated or have minimal impact on neighbours
• Requiring STA licence numbers to be displayed on online booking platforms to support compliance
• Formalising complaint response and escalation requirements for property managers
• Strengthening enforcement provisions where poor management or repeated breaches occur

To learn more about the Short-term Accommodation approval process, utilise our resources for more information:

• Short-term Accommodation Guide
• Online Short-term Accommodation Self-assessment Guide

We invite residents to learn more about proposed amendments and share their feedback through the survey below or via hardcopy surveys available at Customer Service Centres and Libraries. Community members can also meet the project team and discuss ideas at upcoming consultation events:

• Whitsunday Shopping Centre (Cannonvale) Thursday 19 March 12pm - 5pm
• Bowen Centrepoint Shopping Centre - Thursday 26 March - 12pm - 4pm