From the President: Easter boom but the housing crisis continues

I hope you are all enjoying the holiday spirit and some well earnt down time, or, as is the case for many – enjoying the holiday boom!

With the entire state bursting with visitors, increased flights and access to the Whitsundays has paid dividends with nearly 100 per cent occupancy rates across the Whitsundays for the Easter break and 85 per cent for the school holidays – and for once, these are genuine reflections of capacity – not a percentage of reduced capacity due to staff shortages. The international influx of short-term holiday visa workers has filled many unskilled labour gaps taking pressure off owners and existing workforce.

A great result for the region and for once, the Easter weather has stayed away with perfect weather for everyone to enjoy.

Housing continues to make headlines across the state with an increasing number of people and families resorting to living in their cars whilst trying to find accommodation they can afford. It is happening here. It is a disgrace. And whilst state governments are finally turning summits and talks into action with new social housing projects in completion or underway – the alarm bells have been ringing for years with little done to prevent the crisis.

Some local councils have adopted laws to address the short-term letting issues with some success. Noosa now has a short-term letting approval process annually with properties to comply with town planning and other regulations which results in a change in ratings category. Approval notice is to be displayed at the front of a property with 24/7 complaints number. The process seems to be working with some properties reverting to long term rentals helping families and workers remain in the region.

The Chambers’ next event is a casual networking breakfast on Thursday, April 20, 7am at Whitsunday Green. With a couple of major announcements and introductions to be made, we invite all chamber members to attend.

2023 will be a pivotal year – we plan to tackle it proactively. See you all soon.

by Chamber President, Allan Milostic