Ipswich businesses encouraged to check new local laws

19 July 2019

Ipswich businesses are encouraged to thoroughly check Ipswich City Council’s proposed local laws in case they impact the way they operate.

Council has identified a number of provisions of the local laws considered to be possibly anti-competitive, because there could be a barrier to entering the market and/or has the potential to restrict competition in the market.

They could include tattooing/piercing parlours, entertainment venues, such as pubs and clubs, public swimming pools and pet care centres. But it does not include eateries, as food licences, while handed out by council, are administered under State Government legislation.

General Manager of Coordination and Performance Sean Madigan said under the policy council needs to “conduct meaningful consultation with relevant businesses about the anti-competitive provisions”.

“There will be an email sent to all licence and permit holders however we need to ensure we have covered the other business owners we may not be aware of and those who have not provided an email address previously,” he said.

All businesses have been advised to read the relevant laws and make a submission before the 7 August deadline.

Mr Madigan said it was not just a tick-and-flick exercise and it was in the best interests of businesses to read and respond.

Submissions can be made in the following ways:

* Electronically – www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/locallawreview using the ‘Have Your Say’ link which will be available during the consultation period. (17 July to August 2019).

* Hard copy – complete the form provided once the consultation period is open and deliver to council’s Administration Building at 45 Roderick Street, Ipswich during office hours; or send to council at Attn: Candice Johns – Policy Officer, Ipswich City Council, PO Box 191, Ipswich QLD 4305.

Queries can go to [email protected]

The proposals were outlined at the July council meeting, with some of the most significant changes to local laws since they were introduced, some decades ago, then overhauled in 2013.

Some relate to election signage, new parking areas, removing graffiti from premises within 14 days, and pet care permits.

“A council can make local laws in response to particular issues in its local government area and to ensure the good rule and government of its area,” Mr Madigan said.

“New local laws were introduced in 2013 and council recently reviewed those laws to ensure they remain relevant and contemporary. The review resulted in some minor amendments and we would like to hear what the community thinks about the amended local laws for our city.

“Most of the changes were operational in nature and included an update of legislative references. We want your feedback to focus on the amendments or updates so we can ensure Ipswich is a great place to live, work and visit.”

Other changes are in response to protecting the community health, safety and amenity as well as protecting the environment.

In many instances council had sought to bring its local laws in line with other South East Queensland local governments.

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