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Local Laws And You

Bass Coast Shire Council’s new draft Local Law is now on Exhibition. Anyone with a concern about any aspect of the new Law can make a written submission to Council before 1 June 2012.

By Bass Coast - 1st May 2012 - Back to News

Known as Local Law No.1 Neighbourhood Amenity, the purpose of this law is to make Bass Coast a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and visit.

Community and Economic Development Director, Steven Piasente, said there are many aspects to the Local Law and not every part will be of interest to everyone.

"There are Local Laws about property, animals, trees, roads, vehicles, alcohol consumption and public smoking, and about behaviour in public places. The full draft of the Local Law and other relevant information for making a written submission is available on Council’s website.

"There is a lot of detail in the draft local law. We have tried to simplify the language and make it as clear as possible; however it is still a legal document and some people may need help understanding the content.

"We are holding two community information sessions on Wednesday, 16 May, to answer people’s questions and provide explanations for anyone wanting to make a submission. The first session will be at the Wonthaggi Centenary Centre from 2.00pm – 4.00pm. There will then be another session at the Cowes Cultural Centre starting at 7.00pm and running until 9.00pm.

"The new Local Law is expected to be made by the end of July. We encourage everyone to look at the proposed law as the changes may impact on you, your property or your business."

Examples of how some people might be impacted by changes under the new Local Law include:

  • Farmers: no fodder on roadsides; and a requirement for adequate fencing.
  • small property owners: keeping animals and burning off rules now apply to land size (not zoning) to define restrictions. Farmlets of less than 5 hectares (for keeping of animal) or 20 hectares (for burning off) may be affected.
  • shipping container users: may now require a permit.
  • jet ski and boat operators: if they moor to boat ramps or pontoons.
  • building developers: a new asset protection permit and bond.
  • businesses: permits for consumption of alcohol on footpaths.

Other issues covered by the new Local Law include fireworks displays (this will impact on anyone who lights fireworks on their land) and smoking in public (should Council decide in the future to designate non-smoking areas?).

Mr Piasente explained checking and altering our Local Law keeps it relevant to the way we live these days. "This is why we are encourage as many people as possible to be a part of the decision making process."

The purpose of Local Laws is to:

  • Enhance community safety – eg no fodder kept on roadsides; clean-up animal excrement from footpaths and roads; keep animals behind adequate fencing; event permits; fireworks permits; and use of boat ramps for mooring or fishing;
  • Enhance the liveability of your neighbourhood eg shipping container permits; limitation of animal types and numbers; burning off restrictions; permits for some uses of public reserves; restrictions on recreational use of motor bikes; control of door to door trading; and unsightly land;
  • Save ratepayers money – eg asset protection permits with bonds for damage to Council property; damaging Council property; trees damaging Council land; interfering with drains and watercourses.

There is a information about the draft Local Law on Council’s website www.basscoast.vic.gov.au, including how to make a written submission. For any enquiries, contact Philippa O’Halloran, Community Safety Manager on 1300 BCOAST (226 278). Written submissions will be accepted until 4.00 pm on Friday, 1 June, 2012.


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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