Motel and holiday owners in Milton-Ulladulla are growing increasingly frustrated with the ‘unfair’ playing field, battling more than 4,000 unregulated holiday homes in the Shoalhaven.
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Holiday accommodation provide a significant tourism and economical boost to the region but despite the positives, more could be done for the motel industry said Rupert Sakora, general manager Bannisters Hotels.
“There has been a culture of holiday rentals in the area for decades, and I wouldn't want to change any of that,” he said.
“There is a number of positives, such as the number of people and money brought to the area.
“Its just about creating a level playing field through regulation.”
Concerns raised by motel owners at Ulladulla and Districts Forum on February 6 include commercial regulations on noise control and pool safety, which are non-existent for holiday rentals.
Its just about creating a level playing field through regulation.
- Rupert Sakora
Shoalhaven City Council said public swimming pool legislation mention hotels, motels or holiday units but not private residential premises.
“Advice has been sought from NSW Health and there are differing opinions about whether holiday houses are included under the definition of a public swimming pool,” a spokesperson said.
Shoalhaven City Council acknowledge the importance of holiday homes as a significant feature of the tourism economy.
It has previously not wished to implement regulation on holiday accommodation, although this could be forced to change soon following a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry.
An Inquiry into short-term letting handed down a final report in October 2016, detailing a number of recommendations including possible future regulation.
The NSW Government has until April 19, 2017 to respond which could impact the Shoalhaven and NSW in the future.
A Council spokesperson said in the meantime, there are no plans to step in and regulate holiday homes.