The General Local Law 2012 will replace the previous version which came into force in 2005.

A draft of the adopted Local Law was on public exhibition for 28 days to enable the community to provide feedback. A series of information sessions on the changes were also held in Stawell and St Arnaud.

Council received five written submissions, as well as valuable feedback from the information sessions which triggered several changes to the draft.

The new local law requires dogs to be on leads at all times in council managed public areas, and for property numbering to be displayed in a bid to improve public safety.

It also includes updated requirements around footpath use, in line with Commonwealth legislation, which will allow residents and visitors better access to Northern Grampians Shire streets and shops.

To help local business owners implement the new requirements associated with footpath use, council's business services and local laws officers will be visiting traders within the shire's main

shopping precincts.

Emergency Services and Environment Manager, Kathleen Gosden said officers would explain each owner's individual options to enhance the street and their business, while complying with the legislation.

"The new requirements around footpath use will make our towns more enjoyable places to live and shop as it will allow people to move freely in our retail precincts," she said.

"We want to ensure the retail sector understands the changes and we will be supporting traders to implement these requirements over the next three months with minimal disruption to the commercial activities that are occurring on the footpath area."

Copies of the General Local Law 2012 are available from council's customer service centres in Stawell and St Arnaud or by visiting www.ngshire.vic.gov.au