The process of adopting a new set of local laws for Redland City has begun after Council today voted on a set of draft laws designed to reduce red tape, keep our city safe and clean and align with the State Government’s model local laws.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the draft local laws would be sent to the State Government and then made available to the public for comment.
“The first step in the process is for the draft local laws to go through a State Government interest check before being made available for public comment later this year,” she said.
“The draft laws can be found on Council’s website and I would encourage residents to provide feedback so we can ensure the final local laws reflect the needs of the community.
“The draft laws accepted by Council at today’s general meeting are based on a set of model local laws developed by the State Government.
“Using the model laws as a base will provide greater uniformity while reducing red tape and streamlining administrative processes.
“While we have based our draft laws on the State’s model local laws, they have been modified to reflect local needs.”
Key proposed changes to local laws include:
• Provide greater clarity around requirements for erecting temporary signs
• Make it easier and safer to run events in the city
• Make it easier for Council to direct people to clean up unsightly and overgrown properties to keep the city clean and safe
• Place restrictions on residents feeding native birds in a way that causes major nuisance to neighbours
• Align parking infringements with State Government penalty criteria and corresponding penalty units rather than a flat rate being applied by Council.
Cr Williams encouraged residents to be involved by registering their interest in commenting when the formal public engagement, including public forums to be held around the middle of the year.
“This is an important process as local laws provide a sound governance framework for the community,” she said.
“While there may be amendments resulting from the State Government’s review of our proposed laws, I would still encourage people to read the draft new local laws that are already available on Council’s website.
“Officially public consultation does not start until mid-year, but residents can make formal submissions now and they will be considered by Council as part of the formal process.
“People can register an expression of interest online to receive notification of when the local laws are formally available for public comment.”
“Following this input from the community, the new local laws are then expected to come back to Council for adoption early in 2015.”
To view the proposed new laws visit www.redland.qld.gov.au/DraftLocalLaws
Feedback can be provided by emailing [email protected]