Add Category
With its stunning scenery and proximity to the beach and Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast hinterland has become a highly desired destination among brides and grooms.
Weddings bring an estimated $55 million into the region each year, according to tourism industry figures.
But venue operators say cash-strapped couples have increasingly been looking for cheaper options for their big day — and it's putting the industry "at risk".
More than a dozen short-stay rentals across the hinterland have been advertised and used for ceremonies involving up to 50 people.
The properties have been listed on popular sites including Airbnb and Booking.com.
Hinterland Tourism Sunshine Coast president Kerry Brown said some were openly marketed as venues for micro-weddings or elopements.
"It's not on ... it's just not fair to the people who live around there," Ms Brown said.
"They come up there to live in a peaceful, quiet place and the last thing they want is someone playing music until three o'clock in the morning and having 100 people converge on a house next door.
"When you get an Airbnb, which is just somebody's house, and they come along and just hold a wedding, they're not compliant and they put everybody at risk."
Kerry Brown, with Flaxton Gardens marketing manager Marlene Murray. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jessica Ross)
Labour of love
Tom and Ngaire Coulstock spent seven years transforming an old cattle property at Bald Knob, near Maleny, into a luxurious wedding venue.
Mr Coulstock, an experienced builder, said gaining council approval was a two-year process.
"If you're serious about the business then you have got to present a professional product that complies with rules and regulations and has got proper insurance," Mr Coulstock said.
The couple began hosting weddings at Goodwater Ridge last August, after spending more than $250,000 to meet the necessary requirements, which included ensuring there was adequate wastewater, parking and traffic controls.
Tom and Ngaire Coulstock spent big to ensure their venue complied with council rules. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jessica Ross)
They also must comply with venue noise restrictions.
Ms Coulstock said it was "very frustrating" to see short-stay providers hosting ceremonies without having to go through the same process.
"Their neighbours won't be happy if they're doing that type of thing because of the noise that it generates, whereas we've built very much to contain noise," she said.
Mr Coulstock added that the property owners had a responsibility to ensure a couple's big day was not ruined by a local council shutting down the operation.
"You don't want the whole thing to get the lid put on because what you're doing can't work," he said.
The couple designed and built a Spanish-style chapel at Goodwater Ridge. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jessica Ross)
Wedding 'free-for-all'
Jo and Ari Jelekainen spent about $1 million to ensure their property near Maleny met local council and Department of Transport and Main Roads requirements to become a wedding venue.
Ms Jelekainen agreed with the Coulstocks that compliance was a good thing.
"It means that our business [The Old Dairy] runs more efficiently but also it protects the community and our clients and guests who are coming on site," she said.
An aerial view of The Old Dairy, near Maleny. (Supplied: Luke Middlemiss Photography)
Ms Jelekainen said short-stay providers were able to rent out their properties for a fraction of the cost because they did not have as many overheads as approved venues.
"It’s difficult when you're trying to do the right thing then you get these people where it's just a free-for-all," she said.
She said noise also travelled in the hinterland, and they were concerned about "having the finger pointed at us" due to ceremonies at nearby rentals.
Jo Jelekainen would like to see universal requirements for short-stay properties. (Supplied: Tay & Francis Photography)
A big commitment
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said property owners wishing to establish a wedding venue for ceremonies or functions were required to lodge a material change of use development application.
"Where there are any identified non-compliance issues with these operations, council has an obligation to investigate and take any necessary action … under the Planning Act 2016," the spokesperson said.
"Council may issue notices, penalty infringements and may initiate legal action.
"Each property owner is responsible for any activities that occur on their property and should ensure all approvals are in place before advertising or renting the property for holiday or wedding-related uses."
There are fears unregulated venues are putting the local industry at risk. (Unsplash: Ben Rosett)
An Airbnb spokesperson said hosts were expected to comply with local laws and regulations and the overwhelming majority were responsible.
"Airbnb does not permit disruptive gatherings," the spokesperson said.
"In rare cases where it appears that the listing is intended primarily for the purpose of hosting parties or events, the listing may be permanently removed from Airbnb."
The marketing manager for popular Sunshine Coast wedding venue Flaxton Gardens, Marlene Murray, said operators would continue to work with authorities on the issue.
"What starts to happen is a ripple effect and it splits the market," Ms Murray said.
"With unapproved venues we get noise complaints, then it affects our musos, then it affects our suppliers.
"We just want an even playing field and we don't want to ruin what has been such a great thing for the hinterland."