Council seeks feedback on revised Community Local Law

Council seeks feedback on revised Community Local Law

Published on 30 April 2021

Council is seeking community feedback on final revisions to the Community Local Law.

The Community Local Law guides Council’s compliance, regulatory and community safety activities from the use of public land and animal keeping to construction sites and property amenity.

Originally adopted in 2016, the Community Local Law is a requirement under the Local Government Act 2020 and is in place for a 10-year period.

Following extensive consultation over the past two years, Council has made a range of amendments and improvements to the Community Local Law, including:

Increasing protection for vegetation identified on the Significant Tree Register, including increasing penalties for offences. Open air burning rules will be based on Bushfire Prone Areas, rather than planning zones. More clarity around what is considered an unsightly property. Consistent grass length allowances and more flexibility for grass or weeds used as animal fodder. Removal of the Building and Works Code of Practice from the Local Law and inclusion of new clauses to simplify requirements in relation to construction and building sites. Introduction of permit  for livestock grazing and livestock crossings. Introduction of permits for shipping containers or relocatable buildings on any land. Introduction of permits for driving or parking on a public place or reserve (other than public road). Prescribed times for leaving bins out after collection; specifications around types of waste for bins.

Council is now exhibiting the amended draft Community Local Law and is inviting feedback to:

Ensure that the Local Law remains consistent with its objectives, and aligns with community expectations, Confirm that the amended draft is clear and enforceable, and Ensure that feedback has been correctly interpreted and applied to the amended draft. 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 open until Tuesday 1 June 2021.

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 [email protected]

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“A lot has changed in Baw Baw Shire since the Community Local Law was adopted in 2016. The revised version takes this into consideration and is based on extensive feedback from our community and key stakeholders over the past two years. I encourage all interested residents to review the updated version before it returns to Council for adoption.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Leaney

“The revised Community Local Law reflects a considerable amount of community consultation that has taken place over the past 18 months. It’s now time for our residents to share their thoughts with Council by making a submission. We look forward to receiving your feedback and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about what’s proposed.”