Resort Management Sales Industry Blog

Need help accessing information on what grants are available and relevant for your business? The Australian Government has recently updated their Grants & Assistance Finder tool on their small business website business.gov.au The free search tool helps businesses look for a wide variety of government grants and assistance programs. Over 600 programs are listed in areas such as climate change, innovation, education and business development. The new ‘Open to apply’ function displays all grants and assistance programs open for application, giving business owners a more targeted search. Start your search today by accessing the Grants & Assistance Finder .

On 1 December 2011 a  State Government Waste Levy  came into force across Queensland. The industry waste levy is a charge on each tonne of commercial and industrial waste or construction and demolition waste that is added to landfill. It aims to encourage better diversion or recovery of useful resources by everyone in the waste process. Waste levy charges Businesses are required to pay from $35 per tonne extra when depositing landfill waste at council facilities and anyone with a commercial general waste bin service will notice the extra charge in their rates notice from January 2012. Recycling does not attract the levy. This state government levy is implemented by local governments across Queensland and is an action from the  State Government’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy 2010–2020  . What can I do? Businesses can reduce their exposure to the levy by rethinking their waste and recycling practices. Council is already working ...

Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL) is a member-based organisation responsible for the marketing, management and development of tourism for the benefit of the Sunshine Coast community and visitors to the region.  SCDL has recognised the challenges the industry has faced and have developed a membership program that will provide value for all operators.  As a member of SCDL, you will have the opportunity to participate in dynamic marketing campaigns, subsidised activities and have access to the latest research and development reports, all designed to assist you in growing visitation to the Sunshine Coast and your business. For more information on membership levels or becoming a member, click here .

Between 4.00 pm and 8.00 pm everyone can help reduce peak electricity demand by making simple changes to the way electricity is used in the home. Sunshine Coast residents now have an exciting opportunity to earn up to  $600 in rewards  and save on electricity costs by joining the free  Sunshine Coast Energy Conservation Community program (ECC). The program is administered by ENERGEX and supported by council as part of its  Energy Transition Planning . All Sunshine Coast households are invited to participate by taking the following steps: Step 1 – read the  letter  [PDF 270KB] and brochure posted to all households on the Sunshine Coast in October 2011. These explain what the Sunshine Coast ECC is and how you can take part. Step 2 – visit the  ECC website  to find out how to participate. The website has information about the program, the range of offers you can choose from, what's involved when you enrol and frequently asked ...

The consumer marketing campaign for Australia’s symbol for quality tourism, the T-QUAL Tick , will be launched on 6 December 2011. The Tourism Australia led campaign will encourage travellers to book T-QUAL products when planning their next Aussie holiday. Activities of the campaign include: A dedicated T-QUAL micro site within the TripAdvisor Australia website showcasing T-QUAL endorsed businesses; Advertising across numerous Australian travel planning sites directing consumers to the TripAdvisor micro site; Preferential listing on Australia.com for T-QUAL endorsed businesses that are part of the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW); and  A supporting PR program that will highlight quality tourism experiences throughout Australia.

Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL) is inviting you to attend next FREE industry development workshop - Crisis Communication. A crisis communication strategy should be an essential part of your business plan. Once you're in the midst of a crisis, it's too late to start thinking about how you will deal with the media, upset customers and stressed staff. Presented by:  Kerri Anderson, Communications Manager, Tourism Queensland and Katie Toney, News Producer, Seven Local News. Date: Tuesday 29 November 2011 Time: 5pm - 8.30pm Venue: Mantra Mooloolaba Beach, Corner Esplanade & Venning Street, Mooloolaba Cost: FREE REGISTER HERE by Friday 25 November 2011 .

Sustainability is the hot topic of today. Give yourself a boost with accredited short courses being offered online at Sunshine Coast TAFE. The best part is these courses are 100% FREE and are a perfect opportunity to enhance your existing qualification, or get an insight into an interesting new area. You don't even have to be a current student to enrol - Take a look at the courses being offered until December 2011 below: Implement Sustainability in the Workplace- Sustainable Work Practices Online Introduction to Sustainability in the Workplace Online

Noosa Boardroom, in partnership with Quest Community Newspapers, is giving back to the local business community with a $10,000 Business Expansion Giveaway in a State-wide competition. The winner of the competition will receive six months free office space and services at the Noosa Boardroom business centre and serviced office complex in Noosaville.  Along with the free office space the winner will also receive all major office on-costs such as use of internet, phone answering, reception services, furniture and use of meeting rooms. The competition forms part of the Quest newspapers ‘Jobs for the Coast’ campaign with both Quest and the Noosa Boardroom encouraging all business types from all Queensland regions to participate.  Businesses are encouraged to demonstrate how they would contribute to the local Sunshine Coast economy in a short simple online form. The competition closes on Monday 21 November and is open to anyone with an Australian Business Numb...

On 1 July 2012 the Federal Government’s Carbon Tax will take effect. What will this mean for your business? Sunshine Coast Council has invited Dylan Byrne, Partner BDO and expert advisor on the carbon tax, to share the most up to date information on: the opportunities and implications for your business some strategies to assist your SME to address the issues surrounding the new tax the Government’s Clean Energy Future plan. Dylan will be available to answer your questions. When From: 5 pm to 6.30 pm, Thursday 3 November 2011   Where  Caloundra Events Centre, Function Room 20 Minchinton Street Caloundra When From: 5 pm to 6.30 pm, Thursday 10 November 2011  Where  Maroochy Events Centre, Maroochy 3 Room Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore When From: 5 pm to 6.30 pm, Thursday 17 November 2011  Where  The J, Foyer 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Junction Contact details  economicdevelopment@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

The Sunshine Coast Environment Awards - Froggies, recognises the significant contributions made by members of the Sunshine Coast community, businesses and community groups in achieving positive environmental outcomes in the Sunshine Coast region. In previous years͕ the Froggies have been awarded in categories based on the issues a project sought to address (waste, water etc). This approach did not do justice to the interrelated nature of many of these issues͕ nor to the ability of many past nominees to respond to multiple issues.  This year the categories have been re-written along organisational rather than environmental  boundaries. This year the Froggies seek to recognise a champion in each of the following categories: Government  Small/Medium Business  Large Business  Individual School  Not for Profit Association  Nominees in each category will be judged on their success in minimising negative i...

The Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards celebrate the contribution of individuals, community organisations and businesses in the region. These prestigious awards are designed to pay tribute to those who make extraordinary contributions to society or who are outstanding achievers in the community. Council is calling for nominations of outstanding locals to be recognised at the fourth annual Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards.  How to nominate: The awards will be presented in the following categories Business Creative Community Environment Sport and recreation Senior Citizen of the Year Young Citizen of the Year Make a nomination online . Nominations will be assessed in accordance with the categories, criteria and conditions of entry.

Supported by Sunshine Coast Council and hosted in partnership with Cleantech Industries Sunshine Coast, the 2011 Clean Futures Conference on 28 October is set to bring together entrepreneurs, experts and advisors from across Australia and overseas in a full-day, “building your bottom line” opportunity that opens the doors on the global clean technology industry. High on the list of Australia's boom industries, clean technology (cleantech) companies enjoyed an average revenue growth of 31.4% (Australian Cleantech Review 2011) in 2010 with capital investment also reaching new highs. Encompassing all aspects of environmental technology and services, cleantech industry sub-sectors include renewable energy, water, waste and recycling, construction design and materials, and energy efficiency. Council’s support of the second annual 2011 Clean Futures Conference builds on the foundations established as part of the Sunshine Coast’s Economic Strategy, which id...

What do you think it should be like to live and work in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, now and in the future? Sunshine Coast Council invites you to add your thoughts and ideas to the Rural Futures online discussion community forum . One of the most endearing qualities of the Sunshine Coast is the vibrancy and diversity of its hinterland. Sunshine Coast Council wants to make sure the hinterland remains that way into the future – so it wants your ideas, input and creative thinking to prepare a strategy that does just that!. Your feedback is Important!  Sunshine Coast Council wants to hear your ideas and to understand from your experiences, exactly what it is like to live and work in the Hinterland. They also want to know your ideas about what you think it should be like to live and work in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in the future.  Visit the Rural Futures online discussion community forum  today and have your say. Council will also be hosting public wor...

Council has developed a suite of proposed local laws and subordinate local laws (“proposed local laws”) which are likely to affect businesses on the Sunshine Coast . Council has invited the business community to have their say on a number of issues including the delivery of unsolicited mail (junk mail), advertising devices, management of trolleys, commercial parking labels and commercial use of local government controlled areas (such as footpath dining and roadside vending) and more.  The purpose of the proposed local laws is to streamline the existing three sets of local laws into one functional and contemporary suite of local laws for the Sunshine Coast .  For more information or to make an online submission, visit council's website from 15 August 2011 to Sunday 11 September 2011.

Sunshine Coast Council would like to strongly encourage local businesses to participate in the  biannual Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey , which  is now open online . This highly valuable and informative tool - which is targeted squarely on Sunshine Coast business conditions - will focus on understanding business threats and opportunities facing the local business community.  Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE Director Ross Hepworth said the business confidence survey is the most widely supported collaborative business tool on the Coast today with over 25 business groups and government agencies involved. “And with this type of reach, all business types and sizes can both participate and share in the results of a collective view about local business conditions,” Mr Hepworth said. “Understanding the impact of the Australian dollar alongside the threat of online trading, skills shortages and potential new taxes can help us all develop ...

The National Retail Association has filed an application which proposes that the trading hours order be amended to allow non-exempt retailers located in the Sunshine Coast Coastal Area  trading until 9 pm on weekends and public holidays.  Click here for more information and to view the application. Do you support this application or disagree?  Please complete a brief survey  to have your say.

WHERE: NAB Building - Carnaby St Maroochydore DATE: Monday 5th September 2011 TIME:  6:30pm for 6.45pm start & finish 9.00pm COST:  $10 per person includes light refreshments and information pack Management Rights Seminar nights provide general information on this exciting and rewarding industry, with expert guest speakers from the areas of Accounting, Law, Finance and Experienced Managers telling it like it is. Phone 5477 1989 / 0410 343 219 to contact Matt Campbell for bookings or send an email to  info@managementsales.com

The Sunshine Coast domestic and international vistor market update to year end March 2011 is now available. The domestic overnight visitors were up by 8.9% to 2,688,000 which is encouraging given the weather related events during this period. However the length of stay and expenditure was down for the same period. To view the report click here . New segmentation research on the New Zealand traveller market has been undertaken by Tourism Australia and partners, including Tourism Queensland. Based on this research and market knowledge, Tourism Queensland has produced a fact sheet outlining Queensland's target markets for New Zealand. To read the fact sheet click here .

Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL) is planning the 2011/12 Industry Development Program . You are invited to provide input to ensure the programs are relevant and useful for Sunshine Coast business. The program consists of workshops and information sessions designed to provide business with knowledge and skills that can be put into practice. List of topics has been compiled and SCDL requests assistance in completing a brief survey to indicate whether these topics would be of use to the local business in the form of a workshop or information session. The topics listed in the survey are: How to get the most out of your marketing spend Facebook 101 for the Facebook newbie Facebook strategy for ultimate results Shooting, editing and uploading video How to write effective content for your blog Email Marketing: the most effective and cost efficient weapon the marketer has Getting up and running with an online booking system Preparing for mobile Getting found on...

Applications are now open for the 2011 Events Queensland Regional Development Program, funded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet. The program is committed to enhancing existing events in regional Queensland, as well as helping to establish new events. Event organisers are able to apply for funding to support the growth and development of their event. To be eligible for funding, events must be located in regional Queensland, outside of the Brisbane City Council area. Events must have been held at least once or, if in the concept stage, be at an advanced stage of development with demonstrated community support. Applications close 5 August 2011 .  Please click here for further information.

Sunshine Coast Airport has launched its latest survey, and this year it’s online to make it more convenient for everyone to participate. The survey focuses heavily on capturing the demands of the business traveller, and coast residents who are working in the mining sector - particularly regular fliers on fly-in/fly-out rotation. Sunshine Coast Airport recognises that members of the Sunshine Coast business community have one topic that is first and foremost on their minds – the need for business-friendly flight schedules from Sunshine Coast Airport. They are also increasingly aware of the number of people who reside on the coast, and travel by air regularly to work in the mining sector. As the airport continues to work with airlines with the end goal of introducing business-friendly flight schedules and more destinations, they require targeted, vital information from coast executives and business people on their wants, needs and desires. The results from such feedback will ...

Fifteen local tourism businesses are taking the first steps to improving their environmental practices, at the Business Events Sunshine Coast (BESC) Sustainable Regions workshop.  Initiated by BESC, the program will help businesses become more green and position the Sunshine Coast as a more sustainable destination. BESC successfully secured funding from Tourism Queensland as part of its Tourism Capacity Program to offer the program to local tourism operators. The Sustainable Regions program will enable Sunshine Coast businesses to assess their commitment to sustainability and environmental practices, and identify and implement initiatives that will help to reduce their environmental footprint. Participants will have access to the international environmental benchmarking program, EarthCheck Assessed, to compare their resource use against other similar businesses and identify areas for improvement.

Business Events Sunshine Coast (BESC ) in partnership with Tourism Queensland is holding an 'All about Business Events’ workshop. Tourism Queensland has recently launched a multi-million dollar incentive campaign to position Queensland as a world-class incentive destination and BESC is one of four Queensland bureaux participating. Two Incentive sector specialists will be presenting at the workshop: Anna Stewart, Director of Queensland Conventions & Incentives and Sonja Soderbom AFMEA, Manager, Destination Management from arinex. Date: Thursday 23 June 2011 Time: 8.30am – 1.00pm (Morning tea & lunch will be provided) Venue: Novotel Twin Waters, Ocean Drive, Twin Waters RSVP: to sarah.power@tq.com.au by Monday 20 June For further information: contact Pippa McCreery, Business Events Manager 07 5458 8802 or email: pippa@scdl.com.au

The Green June calendar, which is co-ordinated by the Sunshine Coast Council includes festivals and events such as World Environment Day which attracts over 5,000 people every year, the Living Smart Glossies Awards evening with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, a series of Compost and Worm Farm Workshops, the Living Smart Solutions Expo, the Ecoflicks Film Festival, Noosa Festival of Water and Floating Land.   Cr Keryn Jones believes the month-long eco-focussed calendar provides those looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint with a number of options to learn more and implement changes in their everyday work and personal lives.   “We can pride ourselves in having one of Australia’s most naturally beautiful and diverse regions and we have a responsibility to protect it for future generations.  If we are to become Australia’s most sustainable region we need to change how we do things on a daily basis and the events throughout Green June help give us the skills and tools ...

A NEW one-stop shop for business is the centrepiece of a major overhaul of council’s economic development functions. As part of its commitment to the Jobs for the Coast campaign, Sunshine Coast Council announced establishment of a new Economic Development Advisory Board and will consolidate its Economic Development Branch with its small business support agency, Sunshine Coast Enterprises (SCE). The board will provide an independent source of advice from respected business leaders and will include board members of SCE. It will create a single entry point to council for information on starting a business, moving a business to the region or accessing business support services. Small businesses, which make up more than 95per cent of all businesses in the region, and are the backbone of the economy, are struggling with higher operating costs, uncertain markets and the flow-on impacts of recent events in Queensland.

The Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL) has won the right to host the 35th Australian Tourism Export  Council (ATEC) Symposium on the Sunshine Coast from 1 -4 May 2012.  The announcement came during this year’s ATEC Symposium gala dinner on Hamilton Island. A TEC is the peak body representing a tourism export industry annually worth nearly $25 billion, and the  ATEC Symposium is the largest conference on the tourism industry calendar. The Symposium attracts over  500 representatives of the Australian Tourism Export Industry, travel specialists and tourism operators. The  four-day Symposium incorporates touring options, an informative business program, as well as destination  ‘showcase’ events, including a gala dinner and inbound tour operator pre-and post tour familiarisations  throughout the region.  The direct delegate spend from hosting the ATEC Symposium 2012 is estimated in excess of  $1million not including pre-and post touring co...

It is very well accepted that a body corporate cannot delegate the power to enforce by-laws. Taking action for breaches of by-laws is something that only a body corporate can do. It cannot farm that right out to third parties - including resident managers. Most caretaking agreements include a specific reference to the resident manager’s role when it comes to by-laws. So, a few golden rules when it comes to these situations: It is not resident managers role to physically enforce by-laws. Resident managers are not required to manhandle people out of the pool after hours or physically tow their cars. All they can, and should, do is make the people aware of the fact that they are breaching the by-laws. If there are potentially dangerous issues (like a wild party in a unit), then the police should be called.  Be aware of the different hats you may be wearing. One is as a caretaker and one is potentially as a letting agent. If the people in the pool after hours are owners the...

A new What’s in your backyard program has been designed by Business Events Sunshine Coast (BESC) for the tourism industry to learn more about fellow operators in the region. Launched in early April 2011, the first program was attended by more than a dozen local industry. Participants were exposed to 10 local businesses including: Blue Laguna vessel cruise with ‘Cruise Maroochy Eco’, which departed from the historic Mount Coolum Wharf  Bedazzled Events gourmet onboard catering and theming Site inspection of the newly reopened Yandina Station, including event venue space and new luxury cabins  High tea provided by Yandina Station and entertainment by Aaron Jazz (courtesy of Zest Factor Entertainment) Theming by Wicked Wolf Events and Twig & Grace Florist   Segway Eco Tour by Corporate and Group Xperiences Transported in convoy by local operator BCT Transfers.  The What’s in your backyard program will run several times a year and include...

The Real Estate Institute of Australia has put forward a Pre-Budget Submission to the Commonwealth  Government identifying a range of areas which affect housing affordability that need to be addressed in the  2011/12 Budget. REIA’s submission calls on the Government to: • Retain current arrangements for negative gearing of property investments; • Ensure that the family home will not be subjected to Capital Gains Tax (CGT); • Commit to no increase in Capital Gains Tax on property investment; • Remove stamp duty on property transactions; • Review the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG); • Allow first home buyers access to their superannuation for the purchase of a home, and; • Monitor the Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) and National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) to  observe their effects on housing supply and conduct a review which considers additional measures  to bridge the demand - supply imbalance The REIA urges the Government to review the amount curren...

The Sunshine Coast was showcased as part of the Global Mega Familiarisation tour. More than 50 international and domestic media visited the Hinterland, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Noosa to experience the best of our region. Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd supported the Tourism Australia and Tourism Queensland initiative, as one of the largest media visits in Australian history. Last month, Sunshine Coast hosted Tourism Australia's Making Tracks  musicians, Stu Cullen and Samuel Blair. To view the final Qld clip click here .

The REIQ Residential Sales Market Survey endeavours to obtain your on-the-ground knowledge of the state of the Queensland property market over the past three months. Results from the survey will be used to help analyse the March quarter sales statistics and to provide supporting evidence of the state of the Queensland residential property market during the March quarter 2011. All individual information collected in this survey will remain confidential, with no agency’s responses individually quoted. Click here to complete the survey. Survey closes 5pm, Friday 29 April 2011.

Have your say in the Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey. All businesses are encouraged to participate in this online survey, now in its third year. The results are used comprehensively throughout government to assist in planning and program development for the Sunshine Coast region. To complete the survey visit: www.boardroombusiness.com.au The latest statistics from Tourism Research Australia's National Visitor Survey and International Visitor Survey for the year ended December 2010 are now available. Click here to read the International Visitor Shapshot and to view the Domestic Visitor Snapshot click here . 

Tourism Queensland in partnership with Tourism Australia and QTIC is calling on all members of the Queensland tourism industry to join in as a part of Nothing Beats Queensland, Where Australia Shines  recovery campaign. The Queensland Pledge  is a grass-roots initiative that can be used by the largest hotel, the smallest B&B, a family-run tour company, a retailer or a restaurant. How can you be a part of this? Tourism Queensland has developed  ' The Queensland Pledge '. This is a pledge from the Queensland tourism industry, both organisations and individuals, to visitors to Queensland. The Queensland Pledge  tells visitors that our state isn’t damaged beyond repair and that to bring visitors back our businesses are prepared to go that extra mile, give that extra smile and show the world that Queensland is and always will be where Australia shines and where the Australian spirit shines through. Australian Resort Management Sales have taken the ple...

The Sunshine Coast quarterly research report for the period ending December 2010 is now available. The report shows visitor numbers and market share have improved from the June 2010 levels.  The report also indicates the Sunshine Coast has lifted it's share of higher income visitors.  Click here to view or download a copy of the full report.  (Please note, some of the data contained in the report is only available for the period ending September 2010).

The Queensland University of Technology recently surveyed REIQ members to determine what impact the sustainability declaration has had on home buyer decision-making in its first year of operation. Findings of this survey indicated the introduction of sustainability declarations has had little impact on buyers and confirm that sustainability is yet to become a criterion of relevance to the majority of home buyers in Queensland. Full results of the survey can be found in the February edition of the REIQ Journal .  

WHERE: NAB Building - Carnaby St Maroochydore DATE:    Monday 7th March 2011 TIME:  6:30pm for 6.45pm start & finish 9.00pm COST:  $10 per person includes light refreshments and information pack Management Rights Seminar nights provide general information on this exciting and rewarding industry, with expert guest speakers from the areas of Accounting, Law, Finance and Experienced Managers telling it like it is. Phone 5477 1989/ 0410 343 219 to contact Matt Campbell for bookings or send an email to  info@managementsales.com

The enforcement of new pool safety laws will be delayed for six months in the aftermath of the floods and Cyclone Yasi. The Government will introduce amendments into the Parliament this week as part of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Bill 2011 and they are expected to operate retrospectively from 8 January 2011. Under the exemption, pool owners may lease their property without a valid pool safety certificate provided they first give to the tenant a notice alerting them to the fact that the pool may not comply with pool safety laws and may pose a risk to young children. It is important that members are fully aware that although an exemption has been made for rental properties, a pool safety certificate is still required at the point of sale for properties with a shared or non-shared pool. Queensland’s statutory land valuations, due to be issued next month, will also be postponed for three months.  The Valuer-General will now issue new statutory land valu...

Short-term letting (holiday and tourist) Resort-style schemes in popular holiday or tourist areas have the potential to produce higher rates of return per lot than longer-term residential lots. However, while people will pay premium rates for holiday accommodation, especially in peak seasons, this advantage needs to be balanced against the demands that a high turnover of tenants makes on the manager and the seasonal nature of occupancy rates. Longer-term letting (residential) With a slower turnover, ranging from 6 to 12 months, long-term letting can be a lot less demanding than short-term letting. The rate of return is generally lower, but it’s easier to predict income and costs. It’s also essential to have good people skills, as strong relationships can be integral to your success. Corporate (short-stay) Schemes that target the corporate letting market with temporary self-contained accommodation can be quite lucrative. Flexible letting periods, prime locations, quality of accommo...

1. Caretaker role This involves taking care of the common property, such as the swimming pool, gardens, lighting, driveways and paths. Your agreement with the body corporate should include: What you are expected to do for the agreed caretaking fee The fees you can expect for additional work or responsibilities The opportunity to have your caretaker fee increased at intervals 2. Letting role Your letting agreement with the body corporate allows you the exclusive opportunity to let lots within the scheme. It could also require you to: Advertise lots available for letting  Vet potential tenants for suitability Collect and account for rent Operate an office and reception area during business hours. You need to negotiate a separate letting agreement with each lot owner, not the body corporate. Both you and the lot owner are required to complete and sign a standard appointment form that details: the services you will provide for the owner the fees you will...

A new regime of disclosure in connection with retail leases commenced on 1 January 2011 across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Prior to this, disclosure requirements differed between the States, increasing the administration for lessors who operated across State borders. The aim of the cross border changes is to enhance the consistency of the retail tenancy regulatory framework and reduce administrative burden. In Queensland, the disclosure statement has changed substantially from the prior version. Lessors are now required to disclose more information and include more detail than previously required.  Click here for more information.

The recent heavy rain and consequent flooding has caused devastation in many regions across Queensland.  REIQ members have reported damage to a high number of properties from their rent roll.  Many will require complete refurbishment.  It is important that members in affected areas, and throughout the State, are aware of their obligations and the responsibilities of lessors to tenants in natural disaster situations.  The REIQ has developed a fact sheet detailing these obligations along with a checklist to assist members.  Click here to view the fact sheet.

On 1 January 2011, a national law for fair trading and consumer protection was introduced - the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The ACL applies to all sectors of the economy and to all Australian consumers and businesses.  The Office of Fair Trading will be hosting seminars across Queensland from 31 January to 14 March 2011.  These seminars will discuss business obligations and the increases in consumer protection under the new law, as well as provide an opportunity to ask questions.  Click here for more details.

You’ll need a licence to manage and let residential lots within the building or complex that you manage. The Queensland licence is called a Resident Letting Agent licence.  You must also have an agreement with your body corporate to operate a letting business, before you can get the relevant licence. When you acquire management rights, you must apply for a licence that allows you to manage lots within your scheme and collect the rent. In Queensland, the REIQ and TAFE colleges offer accredited courses for this qualification. If you can’t attend classes, you can take an accredited course by distance learning (correspondence). This is not difficult to obtain and involves a 5 day course and examination. Australian Management Sales assists its clients with details, course times, locations etc.

The asking price for management rights is usually a multiple of the business’s annual net profit. A management rights business that returns $120,000 a year could be valued at four to five times that (between $480,000 and $600,000). Generally, you can’t buy a management rights business without also buying a manager’s residential lot. Other costs you need to allow for include: Purchase of the managers residential lot accounting and legal fees bank charges valuation fee stamp duty licence application fee The team at  Australian Resort Management Sales  have all been actively involved within the industry for many years and have specialist knowledge based on hands on experience. We specialise in matching sellers and buyers in an open honest environment to achieve the best possible result for all parties.