Tourist magnet launches 60-day limit on short-term holiday rentals [Video]

A major change to how visitors spend their time in the holiday hotspot of Byron Bay in New South Wales has come into effect today.

Owners of short-term rental accommodation in large parts of the local government area will only be allowed to lease their properties for 60 days every year.

There are exemptions in areas of Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads – identified by the council as holding high tourism appeal – which do not have a cap, allowing for year-round letting.

The decision to introduce a cap was made last year by the council, which has long pushed for action to remedy Byron Bay’s homeless crisis.

With its stunning coastal scenery, Byron has long been a magnet for domestic and international tourists.

But its homelessness rate and housing crisis is one of the worst in Australia.

Supporters of the cap …