Redland City Council has agreed to adopt a new set of local laws following two rounds of stakeholder and public consultation.
The current local laws will remain in force until 1 July 2015 when the new set of Redland City local laws are formally gazette by the government.
Mayor Karen Williams said Council had listened to the wishes of the community and stakeholder groups with a number of proposed law changes revised from earlier drafts.
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“We have revised proposals ranging from roadside memorials and parking fines to the denning of dogs at night on acreage properties in koala areas.
“A total of 255 submissions were received over two rounds of consultation from August to November in 2014 (Round 1) and during February in 2015 (Round 2).
“Local laws play an important role in Council’s day-to-day operations by helping set rules and regulations for a range of important activities in the City,” Cr Williams said.
“While these laws are based on the framework of model local laws drafted by the Queensland Government as a guide for all Councils, our new laws were also an opportunity to address specific local issues and red tape.
“Most of the existing local law provisions have been carried over into the new laws but there are also new provisions that are sensible and pragmatic changes to our existing laws.
“This includes allowing Council to enforce the clean-up of unsightly properties, clearer requirements for temporary signs and provisions making it easier to run events.
“The reinstatement of provisions in the Local Law and Subordinate Local Law requiring dog owners, if their property is 2000m2 or more, to tether or confine their dog between sunset and sunrise, has been a direct response to strong community feedback.
“In support of this, Council will begin a review of koala areas to determine the appropriate approach to mapping areas where these provisions apply.
“The realignment of parking infringement penalties with the current Queensland penalty unit of $113.85 will only mean the current $50 Redland City fine for overstaying the limit will rise to $79.70.”
“Other amendments relating to the feeding of birds, keeping of pigs and the riding of horses in public areas have all been drafted to strike a sensible balance between community interests and needs.”
“The law governing riding of horses in public areas is consistent with those applying to dogs in public areas with clear signposting to be provided in parks, reserves and trails to indicate those areas where horses are prohibited.
“A project to clearly map horse friendly areas of the city will also be undertaken by Council.”
Council has reminded permit holders that all permits issued under the current local laws will remain valid until the permit expires or a new application is made after 1 July 2015.
