Snowy Mountains essential workers amongst others around the nation are facing increasing challenges to live where they work due to the proliferation of short-term rental accommodation (STRA).
PHOTO: Unions NSW reported that 78% of frontline workers experience housing stress.
Mark Morey, Secretary of Unions NSW, will present evidence to an upper house inquiry today, highlighting the persistent housing affordability issues in Jindabyne and similar areas.
Morey described the short-term rental boom as a “direct hit to essential workers,” forcing them to endure lengthy commutes and financial hardships or face homelessness.
“The market is failing to provide homes for essential workers because it’s been hijacked by investors looking to make quick profits,” Mr Morey said.
“We need strong regulations to help the people who actually live and work in our communities. The NSW Government promised to tackle housing affordability, but it continues to delay the tough decisions. Enough is enough.”
“In March 2024 the state government released a discussion paper on short-term rental accommodation, acknowledging the need for stronger regulation in areas of housing stress. Now it’s time for action,” Morey said.
In the discussion paper, Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) reported that 27% of Jindabyne’s dwellings are non-hosted short-term rentals, predominantly listed on platforms like Airbnb and Stayz.
Graph: Number of non-hosted STRA dwellings in SMRC.
The issue has restricted affordable long-term housing, with just 14.8% of homes sold and 6.6% of rentals in Jindabyne last year being affordable for average incomes.
SMRC Mayor Chris Hanna recognised the economic contribution of short-term rentals to the region’s tourism industry but called for a balanced approach to regulation.
“Tourism is the largest driver of our regional economy, and it’s really important that future regulation doesn’t hurt the Snowy Monaro’s tourist industry,” Mayor Hanna said.
“But it’s just as important to find a way to help locals and workers be able to afford live in the communities they support.”
Nearly a year later and Jindabyne’s challenges still reflect broader statewide issues, with Unions NSW reporting that 78% of frontline workers experience housing stress, spending over 30% of their income on housing.
Suggested measures include a tax on unhosted rentals, a statewide cap on their usage, and large-scale build-to-rent-to-buy initiatives, all aimed at enhancing housing availability for essential workers and residents.
Mr Morey believes immediate action is required, “Places like Byron Bay are taking matters into their own hands, introducing a 60-day cap on unhosted short-term rentals,” Mr Morey said.
“The NSW Government must follow suit and introduce statewide limits in high-demand areas.”
In their March 2024 discussion paper, SMRC noted that regions such as Jindabyne and its surrounding areas experience seasonal tourism. They suggested that implementing daily caps is unlikely to motivate a shift of properties from short-term rental accommodations to long-term rentals.