Voices from Affected Community Members on the Issue of Short-Term Rental Regulation

The Sunshine Coast Council has received over 500 submissions on the proposed short-term rental regulation, with many community members expressing concerns about the impact on local housing affordability and availability.

The issue of short-term rental regulation has become a pressing concern for the Sunshine Coast community, particularly in areas like Maroochydore and Mooloolaba, where the demand for short-term rentals is high. With the coastal population boom showing no signs of slowing down, the council is under pressure to find a balance between supporting the local tourism industry and protecting the rights of long-term residents. The Sunshine Coast University Hospital expansion and the construction of the Maroochydore CBD have also contributed to the influx of new residents, further exacerbating the housing shortage.

In specific areas like Alexandra Headland and Buderim, community members are reporting a significant increase in short-term rentals, with some streets having as many as 5 or 6 short-term rental properties. The Sunshine Coast Environment Council and the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce have been actively engaged in the consultation process, providing feedback and suggestions on how to regulate the short-term rental market. The council has also established a taskforce to investigate the issue and develop a set of recommendations for regulation.

Understanding the Data

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median house price on the Sunshine Coast has increased by 15% in the past 12 months, with the average rent for a 3-bedroom house now exceeding $650 per week. A report by the University of the Sunshine Coast found that the short-term rental market has grown by 25% in the past 2 years, with over 5,000 properties now being rented out on a short-term basis. The report also noted that the majority of these properties are being managed by large commercial operators, rather than individual owners. As of June 2026, the Sunshine Coast Council has reported a 30% increase in complaints related to short-term rentals, with the majority of these complaints coming from residents in areas like Sippy Downs and Mountain Creek.

So what happens next? The Sunshine Coast Council is expected to release a draft regulation policy in the coming months, which will outline the proposed rules and guidelines for short-term rentals. Community members are encouraged to continue providing feedback and suggestions, with the council committing to taking a collaborative approach to regulating the short-term rental market. In the meantime, residents can visit the council's website to access information and resources on the issue, including a map of short-term rental properties and a guide to making a submission. The council has also announced a series of community forums, to be held in locations like the Maroochydore Library and the Nambour Civic Centre, where residents can come and discuss the issue with council representatives and provide feedback on the proposed regulation.