A report by the Western Australian Economics and Industry Standing Committee into Short-Term Rentals, released 29 September, recommending a standardised registration scheme for short stay accommodation providers, has been welcomed by Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA).
WALGA President, Councillor Lynne Craigie, said a state-wide registration process would greatly assist local governments in their work identifying and managing compliance of short-term accommodation premises.
“Managing this ever-evolving new sector requires a whole of government response, but the Committee has recognised it can impact each community quite differently, and has said they are willing to maintain local conditions and requirements.
“This approach also aligns with international policy trends in the short-stay accommodation market.”
Recommendations also include a framework review with standardised definitions, shared data from online providers, and a requirement for accommodation providers to cite their registration number in any promotional material.
Cr Craigie said WALGA had previously called on the State Government to modernise and review the planning framework in relation to short term rentals saying it had not been updated since 2009 and had proved ineffective in addressing the new trends in the accommodation market.
“We are pleased that recommendations of the report seek to review the current framework and provide greater guidance to local governments about ways to appropriately regulate short-term rentals, and we look forward to working together with the State on these important reforms.”
