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Illegal hostels targeted in NSW

NSW Planning minister Pru Goward said changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act now gave the Land and Environment Court powers to shut off utilities to illegal hostels. It gives local councils powers to use reasonable force to enter hostels without notice and seize items associated with offences.

The NSW government has taken action against unscrupulous operators after an investigation by The Daily Telegraph highlighted conditions in illegal hostels.

The Land and Environment Court now has the power to shut off water, electricity and gas to these hostels.

During The Daily Telegraph investigation an abundance of concerns were found, including overcrowded dorm rooms, fire risks and cockroach infestations.

“Operators who flout the law and put our tourist economy at risk need to be held accountable,” Ms Goward said. “Shutting off electricity and water has an immediate effect on a hostel’s business. It means bags are packed, bunks lay empty and the income is cut off as quickly as the power.”

“These laws will strengthen the action councils can ask the court to take against hostels that put safety at risk,” she said.

Local councils will also get the power to use reasonable force to enter a hostel without notice, and seize any items associated with an offence.

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