community services · Orange City Council
Orange Council orders short-term rental investigation after 9-1 vote
The investigation will examine short-term rental properties and support future community discussion about housing, neighbourhood impacts, tourism and local businesses.
Orange City Council has ordered an investigation into short-term rental accommodation properties after councillors voted 9-1 to seek a report on the issue.
The resolution directs Council staff to investigate short-term rental accommodation properties so the community can have “evidence-based discussion and consideration of this issue”. Cr K Duffy voted against the motion.
The resolution does not set a date for the report. It starts an investigation into short-term rentals, including Airbnb-style accommodation, before the community and Council consider the issue further.
Cr J Whitton left the meeting after declaring a significant pecuniary interest because he owns residential and rental accommodation. Cr J Stedman also left after declaring a non-significant non-pecuniary interest because he was in business discussions with an Airbnb owner.
Cr D Mallard declared a non-significant non-pecuniary interest because he owns a long-term rental property. He supported the motion with the other councillors listed in favour. Cr Whitton and Cr Stedman returned after the vote.
The investigation is intended to provide information for discussion about the effects of short-term rentals on housing availability, neighbours, tourism and local businesses. No further Council action was resolved at the meeting.
The investigation was one of several decisions made by Orange City Council on 4 August. The Council also approved a $15,000 Charles Sturt University scholarship over three years from 2027, adopted its Community Engagement policy and deferred its Councillor Expenses & Provision of Facilities policy for updates.
Reference minutes
Orange City Council made the decision at its ordinary meeting on 4 August 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Orange City Council resolved to investigate and report on short-term rental accommodation properties.
- The motion passed 9-1, with Cr K Duffy against.
- Cr J Whitton and Cr J Stedman left the meeting and did not participate in discussion or voting after declaring interests.
- No date was specified for the investigation report to return to council.
- The resolution does not itself impose new short-term rental rules.
- The investigation is intended to support community discussion about housing, neighbourhood impacts, tourism and local businesses.
Why it matters
- Orange has begun a formal fact-finding process that could shape future decisions about short-term rentals, housing availability, neighbourhoods and tourism.