Focus group overview

This focus group session is part of the consultation activities being undertaken during the exhibition of Byron Shire Council's Planning Proposal which seeks to change the rules for short-term rental accommodation (STRA) in the Byron Shire.

The session will inform stakeholders about the proposed changes and will be an opportunity to share feedback on how these changes will impact on local property owners. It will be facilitated by Locale Consulting.

Background to the proposed changes

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the supply of STRA in the Byron Shire. At the same time, there has been a decline in long-term rental property availability and increasing pressures on housing affordability. This has been further exacerbated by the flooding events across the Northern Rivers in early 2022 and the situation is being referred to as a “housing crisis”.

The growth in STRA is not only an issue in the Byron Shire but is an issue impacting other regional areas. In response, the NSW Government has introduced changes to regulate the STRA market. This includes a 180-day cap for non-hosted STRA in certain local government areas across NSW. Given the unique circumstances of the Byron Shire, the NSW Government has permitted Council to explore reducing this cap to 90-days.

Council has developed a Planning Proposal that proposes to limit non-hosted STRA to 90-days per year in most of the Byron Shire local government area except for four mapped precincts in parts of Byron Bay (East and West), Suffolk Park and Brunswick Heads where it would be permitted 365-days per year. These precincts are considered to have high tourism appeal and most suited for unrestricted holiday letting due to their proximity to the beaches and services.

The proposed 365-day precincts and more information about the Planning Proposal can be viewed on Council's website.

Registration process

This focus group is for people who own residential property in the Byron Shire local government.

As places at this session are limited, registration is essential to attend.

After registration, you will receive a Zoom link and more details about the session.

Other ways to give feedback

Feedback on the Planning Proposal and the proposed changes may also be made via Council's website by:

completing the short survey
writing a submission

The exhibition period will end on 31 October 2022.