Suburban Pub Stays Strategy
Learn about a new strategy aimed to increase the number of suburban hotel rooms.
About the strategy
Suburban pubs are being called on to help fill a critical shortage of hotel rooms ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Suburban Pub Stays Strategy is encouraging suburban pub owners and operators to step up and deliver new accommodation and function spaces on large, underutilised sites in the suburbs.
As part of the Strategy, planning changes will be considered to make it easier for pub owners and operators to build hotel rooms and conference facilities.
Why this matters now
A recent Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) report shows South East Queensland currently has just 46,000 hotel rooms – less than half of Los Angeles (120,000) and Paris (133,000).
The Property Council recently highlighted reduced demand during COVID-19 and a 40% increase in hotel room construction costs had contributed to the shortage, with hotel construction in Brisbane falling by 90% between 2019 and 2024.
Unlocking potential in suburban pubs
Around 70 Brisbane pubs are located on sites of 2,000 square metres or more, however only 15 currently support accommodation.
According to industry, redeveloping just 20 suburban pubs could add more than 1,600 new rooms to Brisbane’s hotel supply — supporting local jobs and businesses.
With more than 260 licensed hotels across the city, the potential is significant. Smaller projects can be delivered faster than large CBD hotels, using local builders and trades. Recent developments have shown strong demand for local accommodation and function spaces — boosting the economy and creating vibrant suburban hubs.
The Suburban Pub Stays Strategy will strike the right balance between encouraging hotel rooms in appropriate areas while ensuring suburban homes are available on the long-term rental market.
Have your say
We invite pub owners, operators, and industry leaders to share feedback on planning barriers, such as design criteria, car parking rates, and locational requirements — and help shape a targeted incentive policy.
You can submit your ideas by emailing us before 11.59pm on 28 February 2026.
We will review feedback to develop a targeted policy package and engage with the community and hotel industry early 2026.