In November 2016, the Victorian Parliament agreed to refer the Owners Corporations Amendment (Short-stay Accommodation) Bill 2016 to the Environment and Planning Committee for inquiry, consideration and report in relation to:
• Undertaking proper consultation with peer sector economy providers, individuals, owners corporations and short-stay letting providers;
• The impact on individuals, families, apartment owners and owners corporations of short-stay letting in apartment buildings;
• The adequacy of owners corporation rules in managing impacts on amenity, noting also the lack of adequate planning on the part of the building and construction sector to accommodate the impact of high intensity short-term lets;
The Committee called for interested parties to make submissions in relation to the Bill. The Committee then invited a selection of parties to a public hearing. Gregor Evans, Director of The Knight, presented to the Committee on behalf of Strata Community Association (SCA).
On the 8th June, the Committee tabled a report to Parliament which included 9 recommendations. One of the recommendations is for the Victorian Government to consider the appropriateness of giving Owners Corporations the power to regulate short stay accommodation. The Government is required to respond to any recommendations directed to it within 6 months.