Whitsunday Council Moves to Tighten Short-Term Accommodation Rules

The Whitsunday Regional Council is preparing to introduce significant changes to how short-term accommodation (STA) is approved and managed across the region. The updates include both a planning scheme amendment and proposed changes to local laws aimed at improving compliance and protecting residential amenity.

A major amendment to the Whitsunday Planning Scheme 2017 relating to short-term accommodation is scheduled to commence on Monday, 30 March 2026.

Prepared under the Planning Act 2016, the amendment introduces stronger assessment benchmarks within the Low Density Residential Zone across the entire Whitsunday local government area.

Under the updated planning framework, short-term accommodation will generally not be supported in Low Density Residential zones.

Exceptions will apply to ten identified precincts that have a long-standing history of holiday home use.

The amendment provides clearer guidance for development assessments, helping both property owners and planners understand where holiday rentals are appropriate.

The planning scheme update follows a public consultation process conducted in 2025, where residents and stakeholders provided feedback on the future of short-term accommodation in the region.

Alongside the planning amendment, Council has launched consultation on changes to Subordinate Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2014 that will affect how short-term accommodation is licensed, monitored, and managed.

Public consultation runs from 16 March to 19 April 2026 through Council’s online engagement portal and community feedback channels.

While the planning scheme determines where short-term accommodation is appropriate, the proposed local law changes focus on how these properties operate.

Key Proposed Changes

The amendments aim to improve accountability and compliance through several measures, including:

• Clarifying which accommodation types do not require an STA licence, particularly those already regulated or with minimal neighbourhood impact.
• Requiring licence numbers to be displayed on online booking platforms, making it easier for Council to monitor compliance.
• Formalising complaint response and escalation procedures for property managers.
• Strengthening enforcement powers where properties are poorly managed or repeatedly breach regulations.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide feedback through an online survey or via hardcopy forms available at Council customer service centres and libraries.

Community members can also meet the project team at the Bowen Centrepoint Shopping Centre on Thursday 26th March, 12pm–4pm

Additional resources are available to help property owners understand the approval process, including a Short-term Accommodation Guide and an online self-assessment tool.

Together, the planning scheme amendment and proposed local law changes represent a coordinated effort by the Whitsunday Regional Council to balance the region’s strong tourism sector with the need to maintain the character and livability of residential neighbourhoods.

Learn more and have your say at Your Say Whitsunday - https://bit.ly/STALocalLaw

What? Community Consultation on STA Amendment Proposals
When? Thursday 26^th March 12pm–4pm
Where? Bowen Centrepoint Shopping Centre

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