My Stance on STAs

Throughout my first term, I campaigned against the unregulated spread of STAs throughout Noosa. I saw that STAs were taking the place of rental properties. Between 1998 and 2001 I lived in three rental properties in Sunshine Beach. I was able to have a basic job making surfboards, rent accommodation and put down roots in Noosa. Today, my journey would be nearly impossible. Noosa’s future residents population has been compromised.

From January to August 2021, I argued that the STA applications that were coming before council should be refused on the basis they did not comply with the town plan, though all other councillors and staff argued that they did. In the most general terms, the Noosa Plan 2020 supports STA in residential neighbourhoods, however this is conditioned on housing being predominantly for residents and that the resident amenity must not be deteriorated. I argued that STAs had passed the tipping point where housing is not predominantly for residents and that amenity of neighbourhoods was being shattered. Please read the article below:

Through 2021, councillors and staff began to agree with my interpretation of the plan.

Council funded two reports which looked into the STA situation and the housing crisis and both found that the growth of STAs diminished the available housing stock.

Council set to creating a set of local laws in 2022 and I forcefully argued that there should be a 24 hour hotline and properly funded strict enforcement. I will continue to advocate for restricting STAs in Noosa.

Here is a link to my Noosa Today response to criticisms of the change in council direction.