MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 17 July 2026
Community Conversation Concludes: No Further Action on Short-Term Rental Accommodation
Photo: District Council of Robe
The District Council of Robe has formally concluded its Community Conversation on Housing, Tourism and Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA), with Council resolving to take no further action following consideration of the consultation outcomes at its meeting on 8 July 2026.
Council received and noted the outcomes of the community conversation, endorsed the Information Briefing Paper Housing, Tourism & Short-Term Rental Accommodation in Robe, and resolved that no further action is recommended at this time.
Mayor Lisa Ruffell thanked everyone who contributed to the consultation process.
"I would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to participate in the community conversation, whether through the online survey, written submissions, the drop-in sessions or direct conversations with Council staff," Mayor Ruffell said.
"Council appreciates the respectful and considered way our community engaged on what is a complex issue. The information gathered through this process has provided Council with valuable insight and has assisted us in making an informed decision."
"Having considered the outcomes of the consultation, Council has resolved that no further action is warranted at this time."
The community conversation attracted input from residents, property owners, local businesses, the tourism industry, local real estate agents and property managers, industry associations and government agencies.
Chief Executive Officer Natalie Traeger said one of the greatest strengths of the community conversation was the opportunity to hear directly from people living and working in Robe.
"While the survey responses and written submissions were extremely valuable, some of the greatest insights came from the conversations we had during the drop-in sessions and through discussions with local real estate agents and property managers," Ms Traeger said.
"One comment shared with me during the consultation has stayed with me throughout this process. A community member said, 'Robe is a tourist town with people living in it.'
"That comment reflected just how integral tourism is to Robe's identity, economy and way of life. Throughout the engagement we consistently heard that people value both a vibrant tourism economy and a thriving local community. Tourism underpins local businesses, employment and many of the services we all enjoy, while at the same time there was a genuine desire to see more housing opportunities for people wanting to live and work in Robe.
"Those aren't competing priorities—they're both fundamental to Robe's future."
The Information Briefing Paper identified several key themes emerging from the community conversation, including:
- recognition of the significant economic and social contribution tourism makes to Robe and the important role short-term rental accommodation plays in supporting the visitor economy;
- concerns regarding housing affordability and the limited availability of long-term rental accommodation for local residents and workers;
- differing views regarding the role and impacts of short-term rental accommodation within the community;
- broad recognition that increasing housing supply is the most sustainable long-term response to housing challenges;
- acknowledgement that many suggested solutions, including planning reforms, registration schemes and tenancy reforms, fall outside the legislative responsibilities of local government; and
- recognition that addressing housing affordability will require collaboration between all levels of government, industry and the community.
In concluding the community conversation, Mayor Ruffell said the process had achieved exactly what Council had intended.
"Community conversations don't always end with new policies or regulations," Mayor Ruffell said.
"Sometimes their value lies in helping Council better understand the community it serves. This process has given Council a sound evidence base, confirmed there is no simple solution to a complex issue and allowed us to conclude the conversation with confidence that no further action is required at this time."
The Information Briefing Paper, Housing, Tourism & Short-Term Rental Accommodation in Robe, is available on Council's website and provides a comprehensive summary of the consultation process, stakeholder feedback and the key themes identified throughout the engagement.
ENDS
Contact:
Lisa Ruffell Nat Traeger
Mayor Chief Executive Officer
mayorruffell@robe.sa.gov.au ceo@robe.sa.gov.au
0474 581 595 0429 799 526