Shared facility accommodation

What is shared facility accommodation?

Shared facility accommodation means accommodation which is occupied or is available for occupation by residents, at a cost to the resident, on the basis that residents share one (1) or more of the following -

  • Dormitories or bedrooms
  • Toilets
  • Bathrooms, showers or other bathing facilities
  • Laundry facilities
  • Dining facilities
  • Cooking facilities
  • Recreation facilities

Who requires an approval?

Shared facility accommodation premises, such as backpacker hostels are assessed and regulated in accordance with Bundaberg Regional Council’s Subordinate Local Law No.1.11 (Operation of Shared Facility Accommodation) 2011.

Those that meet the definition of a shared facility accommodation premises are required to apply for and hold an approval with Council’s Environmental Health Services.

Application - Accommodation with shared facilities

Taking over an existing business?

Before purchasing an existing business, it is recommended that an application is made for a Health Search to be conducted by Council’s Environmental Health Services.

The search can take the form of a desktop audit or a physical audit, dependant on individual choice, and allows officers to advise of any non-compliant matters.

Application - Health Search

Application - Transfer of shared facility approval

Amending an existing approval?

Council must be notified of any proposed changes to the licensed premises. Minor changes, such as a change of contact details, can be emailed through to ceo@bundaberg.qld.gov.au with the licence number for the premises included in the subject field.

For any structural changes to the premises (i.e. refurbishments) additional information will need to be submitted with the below application.

Application - Amendment of a shared facility approval

When are approvals renewed?

Once a licence is issued by Council, it will remain in force until the 30th of June each year, unless surrendered or cancelled prior to this date.

In the months prior to the end of the financial year the operator of the premises will receive a renewal notice and accompanying invoice which must be completed and submitted to Council’s Environmental Health Services prior to 30 June for processing.

Bed Bug Management

Bed Bugs and Accommodation

Bed bugs can survive and travel burrowed into the crevices of luggage, clothing and linen. Therefore, accommodation premises are at a greater risk of bed bug infestations. Often causing intense discomfort, allergic reactions, skin infections and psychosocial effects, bites from bed bugs can pose major impacts on guests. Operators of accommodation premises must therefore take all practicable measures to prevent the occurrence of bed bugs and manage infestations promptly when they arise.

Bed Bug Management Rules

In an aim to prevent bed bug infestations from occurring within the Bundaberg Region, Bundaberg Regional Council's Bed Bug Management Rules have been developed to provide a regulatory framework for shared facility accommodation providers to follow.

The rules are available to view here(PDF, 572KB) .

Accompanying record templates are available below - 

 

 

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