Monday, July 21, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Short Term Accomodation Consultation Closes Soon

The Whitsunday Regional Council’s public consultation regarding Short Term Accommodation closes this weekend Sunday 20 July 2025.

Open from 11 June Council has asked the community to ‘Have your say” relating to Council’s scheme.

The Whitsunday Regional Council announced change to the Whitsunday Planning Scheme 2017 following resident's concerns that short term accommodation was conflicting with the availability of housing for long-term residents.

Council said that the changes were to help better manage short-term accommodation, within the Low Density Residential zone, hoping to  find the right balance between supporting tourism and protecting residential amenity and housing supply for locals.

Council had identified 10 precincts in which Short Term Accommodation would be allowed and supported, these included Shute Harbour, Brisk Bay, Dingo Beach, Hydeaway Bay, Conway Beach, Wilson Beach, parts of Airlie Beach, North Mandalay, and Bowen, Queens Beach, Grays Bay and Horseshoe Bay.

The recent changes will not change the following:
• Home based businesses - e.g. letting a room alongside permanent residents living in the home.
• STA within the Low-medium density residential zone or other non-residential zones where it is currently permitted, subject to requirements
• STA that already have planning approval in any zone.

Council is seeking public consultation on the new amendment.

You can have your say until Sunday 20 July, when council close the ‘Have your say’ and begin consideration.

• Online via a registered account on Yoursay - via the online survey below
• In writing to Council, by mail or in person to a Customer Service Centre
• Email to planning.submissions@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au, including the name and address of each person who is making the submission.

Accomodation in Airlie Beach. Stock image

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