“Council has spoken with representatives from the peak local government body in Queensland about looking at ways to address the issues relating to short-stay properties in residential neighbourhoods.

“We have kept an eye on recent efforts in areas such as Noosa and will be watching how the situation unfolds in Brisbane.

“While this is a great initiative that creates conversation around this topic, I don’t believe it is the answer. In my personal opinion, changes to state legislation that address how and where these properties can be is the best option.

“Douglas Shire has a small population but needs infrastructure which caters for a large influx of tourists each year.”

Peak body says plan not proactive

Real Estate Institute of Queensland chief executive Antonia Mercorella said the peak body had "long supported" incentives to encourage property owners to put their properties back onto the long-term rental market.

She added that the state's rental crisis is extremely complex.

“The state's rental crisis is a significant and complex problem and both state and local governments should spend more time investigating why property owners were opting for the short-term market,” Ms Mercorella said.

"Given tourist driven demand, we need to recognise that the holiday letting market can be incredibly lucrative with high return over a short period of time and allows flexibility for property owners to use the property themselves, but the other key factor is that the short-term market is not regulated with the strict and onerous rental laws that govern the long-term rental market.”

Months on and still no relief for accommodation seekers

Newsport reported earlier this year that the issue had become a plague throughout Port Douglas, as tourism and hospitality jobs go begging amid an ongoing housing and accommodation crisis that sees Port Douglas’ rental vacancy rate - 0.4% - amongst the highest in the state.

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree have also launched the ‘Adopt a worker’ campaign as an out-of-the-box initiative, but workers are still struggling to find accommodation.Tara Bennett, CEO of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree said that a current survey was being circulated to gather information to go towards decisions on accommodation and working travellers going forward.

“Feedback on Adopt A Worker has been extremely positive with people and businesses registering with us, matches made as well as an increase in people organically putting rooms forward on social channels,” Ms Bennett said.

“The campaign has sparked interest from the Queensland Government, Austrade and other Councils facing a similar issue. With backpacker and camping accommodation near capacity we’d like to see more people consider getting involved.”

The Mayor responded to the worsening issue.

“Council is aware that like most of Australia, housing availability is an issue,” Douglas Shire mayor Michael Kerr told Newsport.

“We strongly welcome a balanced approach to accommodation that meets the needs of long-term residents, seasonal workers, and visitors, who want to experience our beautiful Far North Queensland.

“I have been advocating for Airbnb owners to do this and to look at the long-term benefits of visitor satisfaction, rather than (the) quick incomes that won’t continue if service levels are not there to invite return visitors.”

Workers remain negative on accommodation options

It only takes a glance on social media to see the perspective of both local and international workers regarding the Council’s action along with action regarding this short-term accommodation.

The comments were negative but summed up the thoughts of the majority.

“There is a decent number of owners who have done that, but as of yesterday there were 780 properties listed in the area on Airbnb. And just 2 properties for rent on realestate.com.au,” one local said.

“Way too many Airbnb’s here in Port. They used to be long term rentals, but the owners have now become greedy and hope to make the bigger dollar – they should be capped in a town like Port Douglas,” another said.

One backpacker commented to Newsport.

“All of the four rentals I have lived in Port Douglas are now either Airbnb or a getaway home. I now live in Julatten and work there - the same can be said for many people I know. Lots of long-term workers have had to leave the area due to not being able to find a place to live. There are many factors contributing to the staffing issue, but this is by far the main source of the problem.

“For a functioning economy we need to have long term rentals available for workers – hopefully a rate increase will encourage more people to have tenants over tourists. There needs to be an even balance of tourists to tenants for a healthy economy.”

As the accommodation shortage continues, clashing with a surplus of employment for international travels eager to take it on.

A petition has been launched by a local calling for the State government to take action and enact legislation that would allow local councils to ban short term rentals in residential areas.

The petition reads as follows.

“A large volume of residential properties that have never been traditionally used for short term accommodation have been taken away from the usual rental market.

“Without enough staff, most bars and restaurants are trading at a significantly reduced capacity which is hampering the covid recovery effort - they cannot make hay while the sun shines!”

Hope remains strong that the Douglas Shire Council will follow suit of other districts, or the issue will only cripple regions like ours further.