Gold Coast Residents Speak Out on Short-Term Rental Regulation: Voices from Affected Community Members on the Issue

The Gold Coast City Council has received over 500 submissions on the proposed short-term rental regulation, with many community members expressing concerns about the impact on local neighborhoods.

The issue of short-term rental regulation has become a pressing concern for the Gold Coast community, particularly in areas like Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads, where tourism is a significant contributor to the local economy. With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, the city is expecting an influx of visitors, and the demand for short-term rentals is likely to increase. However, many residents are worried about the potential disruption to their communities and the strain on local infrastructure.

Local Impact

In neighborhoods like Miami and Mermaid Beach, residents have reported issues with noise, parking, and overcrowding due to short-term rentals. The Gold Coast Tourism Corporation has acknowledged these concerns and is working with the council to develop strategies to manage the impact of short-term rentals. For example, the council has introduced a new program to monitor and regulate short-term rentals in areas like Main Beach and Broadbeach, where the density of rentals is particularly high.

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, with the average nightly rate rising to $250. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland has reported that the median house price in the Gold Coast region has increased by 15% in the past 12 months, with some areas experiencing even higher growth. As of June 2026, the Gold Coast City Council has received 275 complaints about short-term rentals, with 120 of these related to noise disturbances.

As the council continues to develop its regulatory framework, community members are urging them to consider the needs and concerns of local residents. The Surfers Paradise Chamber of Commerce has called for a balanced approach that takes into account the economic benefits of short-term rentals while also protecting the interests of long-term residents. The Queensland Government's Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport has announced plans to invest $10 million in tourism infrastructure on the Gold Coast, including upgrades to the light rail system and improvements to the coastal pathway.

In the coming months, the Gold Coast City Council will be holding public consultations to gather further feedback on the proposed regulation. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings and share their thoughts on how to manage the impact of short-term rentals. The council has also established a dedicated website with information on the regulation and a submission process for community members to provide feedback. By working together, the community and the council can develop a regulatory framework that supports the local economy while also protecting the character and livability of Gold Coast neighborhoods.