Committee to combat serviced apartments

The Southbank Residents Group (SRG) is attempting to nullify growing concerns within the community surrounding serviced apartments.

The group has created a sub-committee to investigate what the issues are and, more importantly, how to fix them.

The idea of a separate committee dedicated to the serviced apartment issue was put to SRG members in August and was strongly endorsed.

The focus of the new group will be to investigate exactly what the problems are and what the legalities are. It will then be clearer to work out what action can be taken against the practice of using residential apartments for short-term stays.

The SRG meeting was told that the committee would look at the “pseudo-hotel” issue objectively, putting aside emotion.

The group will also have members from neighbouring regions with similar serviced apartment concerns, such as Docklands and the CBD.

The committee had its first tentative meeting during September.

The discussion included a general overview of serviced apartments, what the existing problems were and if any members had already made any contact with local or state governments in regard to the issue.

While the final line up of members has not been determined, Roger Gardner was selected as the chairman.

Mr Gardner, of Docklands, has previously investigated many of the problems the new committee will be looking into, which will help give the group a head start.

He stressed that the new group was aware of the issue, and was keen on action being taken, not just investigations and reviews.

“Eventually we want legislation passed to limit serviced apartments,” Mr Gardner said.

The next meeting of the committee will take place at 7pm on October 11 at the Boyd School site.