🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Whitsunday, Australia
A two-part regulatory push from the Whitsunday Regional Council sets new zone restrictions and tougher operating rules for STR hosts across the region.
The Whitsundays Is Redrawing the Map for Short-Term Accommodation
Photo from Unsplash - Guillaume Marques
Council overview of proposed short-term accommodation rules and precinct limits in the Whitsunday
The Whitsundays has long been one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations, but Whitsunday Regional Council is making it clear that not every street in the region is open for business as a short-term rental hub. A major amendment to the Whitsunday Planning Scheme 2017 is set to commence on 30 March 2026, introducing stronger assessment benchmarks within the Low Density Residential Zone across the entire local government area.
Whitsunday Regional Council Planning Scheme 2017
Major Amendment - Short-term Accommodation
Holiday rentals in standard residential suburbs are no longer a given. The updated framework defaults to non-approval for short-term accommodation in Low Density Residential zones with ten long-established holiday precincts as the only exceptions. Hosts outside those areas face a full development application process to keep operating. The rules apply to dwellings, dual occupancies and multiple dwellings used for tourist stays under three months.
Council is also consulting on changes to Subordinate Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2014 with feedback open until 19 April 2026. The proposed changes would require licence numbers on booking platform listings and formalise complaint escalation procedures. The 2025 consultation showed broad support for protecting residential character while acknowledging STRs' role in the local tourism economy, though opinions on where to draw the line were split.
"Short-term accommodation operators must obtain and maintain approval, including compliance with planning scheme requirements, and display a valid licence/approval number on all advertising platforms (e.g. Airbnb, Stayz). The local law also establishes a formal complaints process, enabling investigation and enforcement action where nuisance, safety, or amenity impacts occur."
- Excerpt from Whitsunday Regional Council Subordinate Local Law (Amending) Whitsunday Regional Council Subordinate Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2025
Whitsunday Planning Scheme 2017 Major Amendment: Short-term Accommodation Consultation Report, October 2025
Hosts who fail to obtain the proper approvals risk fines of up to $26,690. Council also offers a Short-term Accommodation Guide and an online self-assessment tool to help property owners navigate what applies to them.
⦿ Effective date: 30 March 2026 (planning scheme amendment)
⦿ Consultation deadline (local law): 19 April 2026
⦿ STR zoning rule: Not supported in Low Density Residential zones outside ten approved precincts
⦿ Applies to: Dwellings/dual occupancies/multiple dwellings used for short-term tourist stays under 3 months
⦿ Licence number display: Required on Airbnb, Stayz and other platforms
⦿ Penalty: Up to AUD $26,690 for non-compliance
⦿ Platform responsibility: Partial; listing display requirements apply
Watch: Council will review 19 April 2026 consultation results before finalizing local law changes. Precinct mapping may be adjusted based on community submissions.
📃 Short-Term Accommodation Self-Assessment Form
📃 Whitsunday Planning Scheme Interactive Mapping Tool
📃 Local Law Short-Term Accommodation Survey
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