A NEW General Local Law will be out for public exhibition after Northern Grampians Shire Council resolved to gain community feedback before the current local law expires on September 7, 2022.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Council is required to adopt a new General Local Law pursuant to Division 3 of the Local Government Act 2020 and at its June meeting, Council recommended the document be released for public consulation.
The General Local Law is ultimately aimed to protect the amenity of the municipality and the health and safety of the community. This is not simply about compliance but about creating an environment that is equitable and fair, where residents, businesses and visitors alike can participate in the community with mutual respect and enjoyment.
Local Laws must be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant and reflect the contemporary expectations of council. Section 111 of the Local Government Act 2020 determines that all Local Law sunset after 10 years. Council's General Local Law 2012 operates until 7 September 2022.
OTHER NEWS:
The review of the General Local Law began in late 2021 and has resulted in the proposed Northern Grampians Shire Council Local Law 2022, being prepared.
Council has undertaken an extensive review of the General Local Law to ensure it is consistent with other legislation and manages current and/or emerging issues. Changes to the local law from the General Local Law 2012 vary from minor to major.
Inclusion of overgrown vegetation in unsightly land
- Overgrown vegetation is a common complaint received by Council outside of the fire season. If left unmanaged, it can create risks leading into the fire season but also assist in harbouring vermin and snakes.
Removal of the need to obtain an openair burn permit in certain circumstances
- This change reduces the cost to the community and the administrative burden on Council. The risk of uncontrolled fires continues to be managed with conditions of burning noted in the local law, including burning in piles less than 1 cubic metre.
Camping on Private Property
- Limitations have been placed on the length of time permitted to camp on private land outside of a registered caravan park.
No smoking in municipal places
- Smoking, including passive smoking is a well-known public health risk. Smoking permitted in municipal places results in littering where cigarette butts are not lawfully disposed of. The no smoking provisions in the proposed local law, which operate alongside the no smoking provisions in the Tobacco Act 1987 have been updated to reflect current trends with the use of e-cigarettes in addition to the smoking of tobacco products.
Development of Local Law Guidelines incorporated into the General Local Law
- Administrative sections of the local law have been removed and placed into guidelines as incorporated documents under the local law. These guidelines can be reviewed from time to time by Council to ensure of their currency and consistency. These guidelines assist in informing the community regarding the processes needed to be taken as part of the local law. They do not affect and purpose of the local law.
Development Waste Services Guidelines incorporated into the General Local Law
- Most waste sections of the local law have been removed. With legislative changes coming through State legislation, it is expected that many sections within the local law would be affected. To ensure Council's law remains current in line with these changes, the guidelines have been developed. This document outlines the guidelines and processes relating to Council's kerbside service, waste service compulsory areas and waste management.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Stawell Times-News. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the region, sign up here.
