Have your say on short stay rental policy

The City of Busselton is seeking community feedback regarding its revised draft Local Planning Policy 4.1 – Un-hosted Short Term Rental Accommodation.

At its meeting in December 2024, Council resolved to adopt for public consultation changes to the City’s Local Planning Policy for Holiday Homes and amendments to its current Local Planning Scheme.

The City said this will align planning framework with recent changes made by the State Government in relation to short stay rental accommodation, including Holiday Homes which are now referred to as ‘Un-hosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA).’

As of 1 January 2025, the registration of both hosted and un-hosted STRA properties is managed by the State Government through its state-wide register.

Properties must register, regardless of whether or not development (planning) approval is required by the City.

Now, the community can have their say on the revisions through the City’s Your Say Busselton page.

The draft highlights important key changes, including areas where un-hosted STRA is not preferred within Dunsborough, Vasse, Abbey, Broadwater, West Busselton, Busselton, Country Road Estate, Willow Grove and Yalyalup.

“I encourage the community to provide their valued feedback regarding these important changes,” City of Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin said.

“The City is proposing an initial 24-month development approval period for unhosted STRA.

“This will help the City monitor compliance with approval conditions and ensure the amenity of neighbouring properties is maintained.

“After this period any issues, complaints or operational changes can be considered and applications for permanent approval assessed.”

Further information, frequently asked questions and relevant maps can be obtained at yoursay.busselton.wa.gov.au

Consultation closes on 29 January 2025.