FAQs

Local law help Council manage a range of issues that affect safety, amenity and the use of shared spaces. Examples can include:

• Managing animals and ensuring owners responsibly care for pets.
• Keeping land and properties tidy to reduce health, safety or fire risks.
• Rules around camping or living in caravans in public places.
• Managing activities on roads, footpaths and nature strips.
• Permits for events, trading activities or placing items in public spaces.
• Preventing behaviour that unreasonably impacts neighbours or the wider community.
• Protecting public parks, reserves and community facilities.
• Managing waste, litter and other activities that affect the appearance and enjoyment of public places.

We are reviewing our local law because the existing General Local Law 2017 is due to sunset in 2027. 

Under the Local Government Act, local laws can remain in force for a maximum of 10 years before they must be reviewed and remade. 

This review provides an opportunity to ensure the local laws continue to meet the needs of our community, responds to current issues, and remains effective for the next 10 years.

Reviewing the local law gives Council an opportunity to update outdated provisions, address emerging issues and ensure the rules continue to work well for residents, businesses and visitors.

Your feedback will help Council understand community priorities, concerns and ideas for improvement. 

All feedback received during the consultation period will be reviewed and considered when developing the draft local laws.

While Council may not be able to incorporate every suggestion, community input will play an important role in shaping the draft and informing Council's decisions

Local law help Council manage a range of issues that affect safety, amenity and the use of shared spaces. Examples can include:

• Keeping land and properties tidy to reduce health, safety or fire risks.
• Managing amenity around animals on beaches and in public spaces
• Rules around camping or living in caravans in public places.
• Managing activities on roads, footpaths and nature strips.
• Permits for events, trading activities or placing items in public spaces.
• Preventing behaviour that unreasonably impacts neighbours or the wider community.
• Protecting council assets, reserves and community facilities.
• Managing waste, other activities that affect the appearance and enjoyment of public places.

The General Local Law cannot duplicate, replace or override State or Commonwealth legislation. 

It is designed to address local issues that are within Council's responsibility, while matters regulated by other laws or agencies remain their responsibility.

 The review will focus on areas where local laws can make a meaningful difference to community safety, amenity and the management of Council-owned or managed land.

Following stage one of consultation (see timeline), Council will review community feedback and use it to help prepare draft local law.

The draft will then be released for public exhibition, giving the community another opportunity to review the proposed changes and provide feedback before Council makes a final decision.