RESIDENTS are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft 2022 Community Local Law after Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) made revisions on the 2021 version to improve overall clarity.

The document, which outlines SGSC Community Local Law, is put in place to protect the amenity of the municipality and the health and safety of the community.

SGSC mayor, Cr David Robertson said the Community Local Law document had been updated with a number of amendments which will enable officers to improve definitions of existing laws and leave less room for ambiguity.

“The Community Local Law is an important document as it helps our officers to create an environment that is equitable and fair to residents, businesses and visitors alike, enabling them to participate in community life with mutual respect for people and places,” he said.

“One of the changes from the 2015 Community Local Law will assist Council Officers to ensure property owners maintain the appearance of residences giving authorised staff the ability to address those dilapidated buildings for both private residences and businesses across the region.”

Cr Robertson said the Council was also considering implementing a cat curfew which would “help to address the large feral cat population currently within some areas of the Shire”.

“If adopted, cat owners will be required to confine their animal to their property between sunset and sunrise to help reduce the destruction of native animal populations,” he said.

“This measure is not unique as is already being successfully implemented in other municipalities across the State.

“The infringement penalties have also been updated in line with the Attorney-General’s guidance and we have removed the reference to Lake Hamilton and activities on waterways to ensure there is no duplication of provisions and offences under the Marine Safety Act 2010.”

The 2022 Community Local Law will also feature:

• The introduction of permits for the planting of vegetation along roads (including nature strips);

• Permits for scavenging at Council Transfer stations to improve safety of residents;

• Regulation of feeding uncaged birds and animals on public and private property to reduce problematic animals.

“For those of you who are viewing this document for the first time, or for those who may have submitted earlier suggestions, have a read through the draft document and tell us what you think,” said Cr Robertson.

Residents can review the draft Community Local Law and provide their feedback at bit.ly/3fgDXpG

Feedback closes Thursday, December 1 at 5pm.

Hard copies of the document are available to view at Council’s Customer Service Centre located at Brown Street.