Sunshine Coast Residents Demand Action on Short-Term Rental Rules

The Sunshine Coast Council is currently reviewing its policies on short-term rentals, and community members are making their voices heard. A key issue on the table is the impact of short-term rentals on the availability of long-term housing for locals.

The regulation of short-term rentals matters now because the Sunshine Coast is experiencing a coastal population boom, with many new residents moving to the area and competing for limited housing stock. The expansion of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and the construction of the Maroochydore CBD are also bringing new jobs and opportunities to the region, but are also putting pressure on the local housing market. Organisations such as the Sunshine Coast Environment Council and the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre are working to protect the region's environmental and vegetation assets, but are also concerned about the social impacts of the population boom.

In specific areas such as Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, and Maroochydore, community members are reporting that short-term rentals are pricing out long-term residents and changing the character of their neighbourhoods. The Sunshine Coast Airport's new international routes are also bringing more tourists to the region, which is exacerbating the issue. Local businesses such as the Sunshine Coast Tourism Board and the Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce are working to balance the needs of tourists and locals, but it's a complex issue. For example, the Mooloolaba Esplanade and the Maroochydore Riverwalk are popular spots for tourists, but are also important community spaces for locals.

By the Numbers

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Sunshine Coast's population grew by 3.1% in the year to June 2025, which is faster than the state average. The median house price in the region is now over $900,000, and the average rent for a three-bedroom house is over $700 per week. A report by the University of the Sunshine Coast found that 12.6% of the region's housing stock is being used for short-term rentals, which is higher than the state average. The report also found that the majority of short-term rentals are concentrated in areas such as Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, which are also experiencing the highest levels of population growth.

As the council considers new rules for short-term rentals, community members are urging them to take a balanced approach that considers the needs of both tourists and locals. The council has announced that it will be holding a series of community consultation sessions in the coming months, which will provide an opportunity for residents to have their say on the issue. In the meantime, organisations such as the Sunshine Coast Community Alliance are working to support residents who are affected by the issue, and are providing resources and advice on how to navigate the complex regulatory environment. For example, the alliance is hosting a series of workshops on short-term rental regulation, which will be held at the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre and the Mooloolaba Community Centre.