Council is seeking feedback from the community on a proposal to revoke Local Law No. 2 – Short Stay Accommodation Local Law.
The Local Law was introduced to address a gap in legislation at other levels of government, and had the following objectives:
1. Provide clear guidelines on the required standards for the operation of this type of accommodation;
2. Ensure equity within the municipal tourism sector by Short Stay Rental Accommodation providers contributing to the tourism sector;
3. Enhance neighbourhood amenity;
4. Provide for the administration of this Local Law and of Council’s powers and functions; and
5. Assist with the Peace, order and good governance of the municipal district.
However, in September 2023, the Victorian State Government announced that a new state-based levy would be introduced on short stay accommodation. The levy is a 7.5% charge added to overnight stays and will be introduced in January 2025 as part of a new state housing policy.
The introduction of the Victorian Government tax on short stay accommodation meant that Council’s Short Stay Accommodation Local Law was untenable and at its February 2024 meeting Council carried adopted the motion below.
That Council:
1. Resolve to not charge the Short Stay Accommodation Local Law registration fee for the 2024 calendar year.
2. Instructs the Chief Executive Officer to undertake the required legislative process to revoke the Warrnambool City Council Local Law No. 2 – Short Stay Accommodation Local Law.
The revocation of the Short Stay Accommodation Local Law will require the adoption of a local law titled Revocation Local Law 2024.
Have your say on this proposal at www.yoursaywarrnambool.com.au
