Overview
- Brisbane City Council proposes effectively prohibiting short‑stay accommodation in low and low‑medium density zones unless operators obtain specific development approval or cease operating.
- A new permit system would govern areas where short‑stays remain allowed, requiring a 24‑hour contact who responds within an hour, guest house rules, public liability insurance, and display of a permit number.
- Operating without a permit could draw fines of more than $140,000, and three council warnings within three years would trigger permit revocation.
- The council plans to notify about 500 homeowners that planning approval is unlikely, with consultation running from December 12 to February 16 before a required Queensland government sign‑off; the target start date is July 1, 2026.
- Leaders say the plan protects suburban amenity and keeps short‑stays to inner‑city and tourist precincts, though a 2023 University of Queensland review found limited effects of short‑term rentals on rent levels and Labor’s Jared Cassidy criticized the pace of action.