HI,
I don't know if my reply will really help you, but I thought I would just share my experience here.
I moved out of my unit in Gold Coast in 2014, and decided to use the unit for short term rental on airbnb. I filled in forms indicating that I was going to do short term rental, and nothing was said.
In 2016, I had a similar experience to you... that is the body corporate somehow did some investigating and sent us an email basically saying we couldnt have short term renters etc etc, and cited a couple of by-laws, very general ones, like guests are not allowed to use the pool without owners or tenants present and a few more. Bottom line is, the body corp was being a pain, and I honestly knew that many others were doing plenty things wrong like sub-letting their garages to have people stay and all that, but for some reson, when "AIRBNB" is mentioned, they go all beserk!
Anyway, several emails back and forth and lots of on-line "bullying" on their part (eg: "failure to stop may mean we send you this contravention notice and that contravention notice" and "you may be charge with...")
Anyway, after being anxious and tense for a few months between each email and spending hours researching, I realised the use of the word "may" and wondered if they possibly have no right to say what we do with our property? I did some research online and found that I was quite possibly right! So I sent a last email saying that I will continue with what I am doing, because as far as I know, short term letting is not against QLD law and if they feel it is, please let me know. I will continue until I am told otherwise.
Following that, the body corporate went quiet and suddenly we receive a letter from Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) saying that we have been reposrted to be in breach of usage of property, and they wanted to make an appointment to visit the property. I called them, and apparently they had already visited. They had a look at the grounds and didnt enter the property of course. All he asked me on the phone was when did we start, and I said in 2014. He said that GCCC laws had recently changed, and now (after February 2016) anyone wanting to do short term needs to get permission, but I was ok since I started in 2014. They followed with a letter saying that I am approved to run short term rentals at my property.
What a relief!
They must have sent a letter to the body corporate as well since they havent hassled me at all since that time. This was about 2 months ago.
Now I live in peace 🙂
Hope this was helpful and wishing you all the best