Short-stay legal action

A local crackdown on unregistered accommodation providers has identified 28 “live” compliance issues, with three operators likely to face legal action.

Shire of Augusta-Margaret River planning manager Nick Logan updated new councillors on the latest outcomes on the enforcement policy during briefing sessions last week.

The Shire has undertaken a “warn first” approach after dedicating an officer to compliance and monitoring after strong lobbying from the Registered Accommodation Providers Margaret River Region last year.

RAPMRR was concerned unregistered operators using online platforms such as Airbnb avoided fees, charges and legislation to guarantee safety and hygiene.

The Shire recently entered a research arrangement with Curtin and Edith Cowan universities with its findings due mid-year.

Mr Logan said the Shire had identified 296 accommodation providers, compared to 242 last year.

“I don’t think we can say there’s been a huge increase in holiday homes,” he said.

Last year, RAPMRR said unregistered operators were booming across the Capes region, claiming about 40 per cent of rentals were now listed as short stays online.