A CODE of conduct is now in place for short term rentals in the Highlands.
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Back in February, the issue of short stay accommodation caused heated debate between councillors before the decision was made to amend the Wingecarribee Local Environmental Plan 2010. A clause was inserted to permit the short term rental of dwellings for tourist and visitor accommodation without council consent.
The proposal defined short-term tourist and visitor accommodation as being used for a maximum period of 45 consecutive days in any 12 month period per individual or group.
During the debate, almost all councillors were in favour of putting controls in place for people with genuine concerns.
At Wednesday's Ordinary Meeting of Council, a code of conduct was put to council for endorsement.
Councillor Garry Turland raised concerns about regulation of the industry, including how complaints could be made.
However, Wingecarribee Council's Strategic and Assets manager Mark Pepping said there were provisions in the code of conduct.
Cr Turland's concerns continued when he highlighted the fact that the code of conduct was not enforceable, but Mr Pepping said it was best practice.
The motion was moved by Cr Holly Campbell and seconded by Mayor Duncan Gair.
"I cannot wait to see this matter be put to bed and our shire 're-open its door for business'," Cr Campbell said.
"We have a well-known shortage of accommodation in the shire.
"I know a few places have breached what we would call the rules, but lets hope that the negative incidences are few and far between."
Mayor Gair made an amendment for a report to return to council in March 2015.
"This is voluntary, so it's going to rely on the good will of the agencies and landlords to work in conjunction with each other," he said.
Cr Turland was the only councillor to vote against the motion to endorse the Wingecarribee Holiday Rental Code of Conduct.