Residents can have their say on the review of Redland City’s local laws, with draft laws to be open for formal public comment from August 13.
The eight week formal public engagement period was endorsed by Council at today’s General Meeting and follows minor amendments based on advice from the State Government.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the new draft laws had been developed in conjunction with the State Government and included updates to a range of areas from improving public safety to making it easier to hold events.
“The next step in the process is for these draft local laws to be opened formally for community discussion. Council wants residents’ feedback to ensure the laws reflect the needs and views of the wider community,” Cr Williams said.
“This is part of Council’s drive to reduce red tape and make it easier for residents to work with Council.
“While the majority of laws remain unchanged, through this process we have streamlined and reduced the number of local laws to provide greater uniformity.
“While based on a set of model local laws developed by the State Government, our draft local laws have been modified for the Redlands.”
Key proposed changes to the current local laws include:
• making it easier to run events in the City;
• making it easier for Council to direct people to clean up unsightly and overgrown properties to keep the City clean and safe;
• aligning parking infringements with State Government penalty criteria.
“While the changes overall are minimal, those laws that have been recommended for review will build on the Redlands’ reputation as the best place to live, work and do business,” Cr Williams said.
“An example is the change recommended to the local law which governs temporary events on private property, such as school fetes.”
“It will strip away much of the cumbersome regulatory process to make it much simpler for schools and charities to run their fundraisers while still ensuring public safety.”
Cr Williams said Council would consider the community’s views and, if necessary, make changes.
“There will be eight weeks for public input after which Council will assess all submissions and if significant amendments are needed, we will take the laws back to residents.
The new laws are expected to come into effect in the new year.