The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) holds significant concerns with the State Government’s draft policy for short stay accommodation, especially the broad scope it provides to local governments to introduce varying and restrictive levels of regulation on providers, and the threshold at which development approval would apply.

In its current form, the policy could reverse the growth in online short-stay providers in our community, thereby undermining efforts to breathe life back into our tourism sector as our interstate and international border restrictions are set to be lifted.

The upcoming consultation period will be critical if we are to ensure WA has a competitive policy that appropriately reflects the rise of short stay accommodation providers.

Short term accommodation is now a vital and established part of Western Australia’s tourism experience and has its place alongside traditional hotels, motels and hostels. Many modern holiday makers, from across Australia and the world, want diverse accommodation options and experiences.

Choice is key and in forming its policy it is vital that the Government’s approach to regulation does not put WA’s tourism industry at a competitive disadvantage. Other states have supported short stay providers through a state-wide regulatory framework that aligns regulations across local government areas.

As Western Australia emerges from border restrictions and COVID-19 controls, we will be competing with other States and international markets for tourists, and it is imperative that we have a sensible and effective regulatory framework that promotes online short-stay providers as an important contributor to WA’s economic and social fabric.

CCIWA looks forward to engaging with its members and the State Government as part of the consultation process.