“Short term accommodation is very important to the Byron market and visitor economy. Many visitors to our restaurant for both events and leisure travel choose to stay with private short-term accommodation providers. It’s important this option remains available to visitors so local businesses remain viable.”
Ben Kirkwood, Beach Byron Bay
“Byron Bay is built off the back of a strong tourism industry. That industry is reliant on having a diverse mix of private short term accommodation options. If the Shire effectively wipes these out, they’re going to hurt a lot of businesses and put people out of work.”
Grant Moffitt, Away at Byron Bay
“If we don’t have the work coming in to maintain these properties, we’ll have to assess if we can stay in business.”
Nick, Pool Professionals
“Council needs to fully appreciate just how popular these short-term rental options are for Byron. If we lose our tourist customers as will happen if they have nowhere to stay, Council is basically putting up the closed sign. I really worry about the future of the town. There are a lot of jobs linked not only with these accommodation providers but the small businesses in hospitality and events that need a strong tourism economy.”
Che Devlin, Byron Bay Weddings & Fig Tree Restaurant
"Being one of the biggest employers in town, we have a clear perspective on this issue. We do not believe this Council proposal will have a positive effect on housing availability or affordability. What it will do is have an adverse impact on tourism which the town’s employment is built on. This is a knee jerk response. They won’t get the outcome they are seeking but they will do a lot of damage to Byron Bay."
Norm Black, TripADeal
“The retail economy in Byron needs tourists. It’s very simple – when you are on holiday, you spend more. If Council takes away short term rentals, tourism drops and retail suffers. This cannot be offset or avoided in a town like Byron Bay where tourism is everything."
Charlie Montano, Footwear Focus Byron Bay
"If Byron Shire Council goes through with this, it will be absolutely devastating to the region. There are a lot of jobs linked to accommodation providers and their visitors. Council needs to re-think this before it’s too late."
Reid Campbell, Byron Bay Holiday Hire
