Seeking community feedback on revised Community Local Law

Published on 11 June 2020

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An amended draft Community Local Law with proposed changes and improvements has been prepared and community feedback now being sought to ensure it aligns with community expectations.

Originally adopted in 2016, the Community Local Law is a requirement under the Local Government Act to guide Council’s compliance, regulatory and enforcement activities for car parking, property amenity, animal management and building/construction sites – among many others – for a 10 year period (until 2026).

To ensure that Local Law is meeting current expectations and requirements, Council is conducting a review of its current Community Local Law with the purpose of:

  • Ensuring the Local Law remains consistent with its objectives,
  • Amending existing Clauses to ensure clarity and enforceability,
  • Insertion of additional Clauses to address emerging issues, and
  • Removal of Clauses that are ambiguous, in conflict with State legislation or no longer relevant.

This review is intended to amend and improve identified areas within the existing Community Local Law but is not a full review or re-write.

Proposed changes and improvements

Proposed changes and improvements in the amended draft Community Local Law include:

  • Open air burning: Restrictions to be based on Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) rather than property zone types.
  • Increased vegetation protection: Increased protection for trees identified on the Significant Tree Register and increased penalties for offences.
  • Unsightly properties/noxious weeds: Amended to provide a clearer definition of unsightly, provide consistency in grass length allowances, and provide allowances for grass and weeds used as fodder.
  • Noise and construction related issues: Removed the Buildings and Works Code of Practice from the Local Law; inserted new Clauses to simplify requirements in relation to construction and building sites, and to provide controls on site access and hours of operation to minimise noise related issues. 
  • Permit requirement: Permit required for livestock droving, grazing and livestock crossings.
  • Permit requirement: Permit required for shipping containers or relocatable buildings on any land.
  • Permit requirement: Permit required for driving or parking on a public place or reserve (other than a public road).
  • Waste management: Prescribed times for leaving bins out after collection; specifications around types of waste for bins.
  • New definitions: Introduction of numerous definitions including Bushfire Prone Area (BPA), fire break, fodder, nuisance, recreational vehicle, significant tree and unsightly, among others.

Prior to the preparation of the amended draft Community Local Law, initial community consultation was sought in 2019 and included internal and external stakeholder consultation workshops, as well as online surveys and extensive media and social media coverage. Feedback received was used to inform the amended draft document, which has further been reviewed by a legally qualified entity.

Have your say

Community feedback is being sought to finalise the amended draft Community Local Law before it is considered for adoption by Council.

Full project details, including a copy of the revised amended draft Community Local Law document are available at www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay

This consultation opportunity is now open for six weeks From Thursday 11 June - Wednesday 22 July 2020.

Following the consultation period, Council Officers will consolidate comments and feedback and consider all submissions to assist in making further recommendations to Council.

Any enquiries can be directed to Council’s Community Compliance team on 1300 229 229 or by email at Compliance.Review@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“Through this review, we’re proposing several changes and improvements to our local law to ensure we’re delivering the best level of service in our community compliance and regulatory sector. We highly encourage everyone to have a look at the proposed amendments and have their say.”

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