Licence plan for holiday homeowners

THE City of Mandurah will consider implementing a local law in which holiday homeowners could pay $300 for a licence and $200 a year for renewal.

At their planning committee meeting this week, councillors will consider a report concerning the operation of holiday homes and the proposed law following complaints during the year and investigations by council officers over Easter.

The local law would follow the City of Busselton model that requires all holiday home operators to get approval under the law and the town planning scheme.

Historically, Mandurah properties are used as holiday homes, either by families in family-owned properties or by owners renting properties on a short-term basis as a business.

According to the report, there appeared to be an increasing number of holiday homes that were more business-based.

During the council's consideration of the draft scheme, a number of residents expressed concerns relating to anti-social behaviour from properties used for short-term holiday accommodation, particularly in canal areas.

Last month, the council wrote to holiday home operators and feedback included that the proposed changes would add a layer of bureaucracy that would have unforeseen negative repercussions and the proposal was an over reaction to a small number of complaints.

The committee will consider a recommendation to adopt the Local Law 2015 for advertising purposes.