Agritourism operators who offer unhosted short-term rental accommodation (STRA), such as farm stays or cottages, are being warned that time is running out to secure the necessary planning approvals to continue operating. The Cook Government has reiterated that from 1 January 2026, all unhosted STRA properties in the Perth metropolitan area operating for more than 90 nights per year must have lodged a development application with their local council.

Understanding the Regulatory Changes

These reforms are part of a state-wide effort to regulate the short-stay sector and address housing supply issues. While the 90-night threshold and mandatory development application are mandated for metropolitan councils, the government has provided regional local governments with greater flexibility. Regional councils can determine their own thresholds for when planning approval is required, acknowledging the critical role that STRA plays in many regional tourism economies.

This distinction is of paramount importance to WAAA members. Operators must urgently clarify the specific rules and application deadlines within their own local government area. Failure to comply with local planning schemes could result in being unable to legally operate your accommodation business.

State-wide Register and Its Implications

The planning reforms are coupled with the introduction of a mandatory state-wide STRA Register. According to the government, around 11,600 properties have been registered, providing authorities with a clear picture of the sector for the first time. Local governments now have access to a dashboard to check and verify the compliance of all registered properties within their jurisdiction.

Planning and Lands Minister John Carey issued a direct warning to metropolitan operators.

“From today, there are just over three months left for metropolitan short-stay owners to lodge a development application, if their property is unhosted and operates more than 90 nights,” he said. “Failure to do so by 1 January will mean the STRA property can no longer operate.”

For all agritourism operators offering accommodation, the key takeaway is that the regulatory environment has fundamentally changed. It is no longer a passive activity but one that requires active registration and, depending on your location and intensity of use, formal planning approval. Proactive engagement with your local shire or city is now essential to ensure your accommodation enterprise remains compliant.

Words by:

Andy Burns

Andy Burns is a driving force in the Western Australian tourism industry, currently serving as Vice-President of the WAAA. He’s the Founder of Scott Aussie Tourism Marketing, a South West WA-based agency specialising in helping tourism businesses thrive in the digital age. Scott Aussie offers a full range of marketing services, from strategic planning and branding to content creation, social media management, and AI-powered solutions. Andy’s deep understanding of the tourism landscape, combined with his expertise in destination marketing and community engagement, makes him a sought-after advisor, speaker, and trainer. He’s a regular presenter at industry conferences and workshops, sharing his insights on topics ranging from digital marketing strategy to the future of tourism. Andy is also a member of the Manjimup Tourist Bureau and a Councillor at the Shire of Manjimup. His previous leadership roles include six years on the board of Tourism Rockingham and five years as Chair of a Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attraction (DBCA) advisory committee.