Gold Coast Short-Term Rental Regulation: What Happens Next and the Key Decisions Ahead

The Gold Coast City Council has announced that it will be reviewing its current regulations on short-term rentals, including those listed on platforms such as Airbnb, in a bid to address concerns around noise, parking, and affordability. This decision comes as the city prepares to host the 2032 Olympics, with venues at Coomera and Robina set to attract thousands of visitors.

The regulation of short-term rentals is a critical issue for the Gold Coast, as it seeks to balance the needs of tourists and locals alike. With the construction boom showing no signs of slowing down, and the light rail extension set to increase accessibility to the city, the demand for short-term rentals is likely to continue to grow. However, this growth has also led to concerns around the impact on local residents, with many reporting noise disturbances and parking issues in areas such as Surfers Paradise and Main Beach.

Local Implications

In areas such as Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta, where short-term rentals are particularly prevalent, the council has received numerous complaints about the disruption caused by these properties. The Gold Coast Tourism Corporation has also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that takes into account the needs of both visitors and locals. Organisations such as the Surfers Paradise Chamber of Commerce and the Gold Coast Property Council have also called for clearer regulations, citing the need for consistency and fairness in the application of rules.

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of short-term rentals on the Gold Coast has increased by 25% in the past year alone, with the average nightly rate for a property in Surfers Paradise now standing at $250. With the Olympics set to take place in 2032, the council is under pressure to get the regulations right, and to ensure that the city is able to accommodate the influx of visitors while also protecting the interests of local residents. As of June 2026, there were 12,500 registered short-term rentals on the Gold Coast, with 70% of these located in the coastal suburbs.

So what happens next? The council has announced that it will be conducting a series of community consultations, set to take place in August and September, to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders on the proposed regulations. These consultations will be held at various locations across the city, including the Robina Community Centre and the Southport Library. The council has also established a taskforce, comprising representatives from local organisations and authorities, to oversee the development of the new regulations. With the future of the city's short-term rental market hanging in the balance, the decisions made in the coming months will be critical in shaping the Gold Coast's tourism industry and its reputation as a destination for visitors.