3 February 2012
Car parking – new Local Laws
Finding a car park should be easier now that new Local Laws have been introduced across the Fraser Coast.
The new local laws allow Council to fine drivers who overstay their time in a car park.
The laws were adopted by Council in December after two rounds of public consultation and feedback in January/February and July/August 2011.
The parking regulations can be found in Local Law No 5 and Subordinate Local Law No 5.
“During the consultation phase residents made it very clear that they wanted Council officers to enforce time allocations on car parks,” Fraser Coast Regional Council Executive Manager Regulatory Services Andy Gaze said.
“If drivers stick to the allotted times allowances then others will be able to find a park near where they want to shop or visit a business.
“We urge residents to check the parking signs when they park and adhere to the time limits to avoid a fine.”
All regulated parking areas are currently signed – that includes on-street car parks and Council controlled car parks, including car parks at boat ramps.
Changes to animal control in new Local Laws
Sunset clauses have been built into new laws governing keeping pets and poultry on the Fraser Coast to protect existing pet owners.
New Local Laws were introduced on January 1. The new laws were adopted by Council in December after two rounds of public consultation and feedback in January/February and July/August 2011.
Under the new Local Laws residents can keep two cats and two dogs. If they wish to keep more cats or dogs they can apply to Council.
The keeping of dogs and cats will be prohibited on Fraser Island.
Sunset clauses have been built into the new local laws so that people who already have more than two cats or dogs registered will not have to relinquish their beloved pets, Fraser Coast Regional Council Executive Manager Regulatory Services Andy Gaze said.
“The sunset clauses will allow owners with more registered pets to keep them until they are sold, given away or the pets die.”
“We are asking owners who have extra pets to advise Council by the end March so we can ensure our records are up to date.”
There have also been changes to regulations for keeping poultry in urban and rural areas.
“To ensure the peace and quiet of urban neighbourhoods, only members of poultry clubs can apply to keep roosters,” Mr Gaze said.
Residents should check to see if their block is zoned rural.
“Sometimes people think that because they live on a large block they in a rural area, but their property might in fact be in an urban area,” he said.
“We urge people to look at the maps on the Council’s website to check whether they are on a rural or urban property. People with poultry (chickens and roosters) should also check the local laws for other changes that may affect them.”
Sunset clauses have also been included in legislation covering animal enclosures.
“The new Local Laws outline the requirements for animal enclosures and fencing,” Mr Gaze said.
The new regulations are contained in Subordinate Local Law No 2 Schedule 6.
Owners need to make sure that enclosures are not to close to boundary fences or buildings.
Existing enclosures that do not comply can be used for 10 years or until the property sells or the resident moves.
“But residents must advise Council that their enclosure does not comply with the new local law by the end of March to ensure Council’s records are up to date,” Mr Gaze said.
Fact sheets on the sunset clauses are available from Council’s Customer Service centres.
Weeds declared pests under new Local Laws
Noogoora burr and Mother of Millions are now declared pest weeds across the Fraser Coast.
Council has introduced a single list of declared pest plants under new Local Laws introduced on January 1.
The new laws were adopted by Council in December after two rounds of public consultation and feedback in January/February and July/August 2011.
Fact sheets on the declared pest plants that should be eradicated from properties, and a separate list of plants banned from being taken on to Fraser Island is available from Council’s Customer Service centres and website.
Residents are asked to check their properties for declared weeds.
Council can assist in identifying weeds and helping landowners develop weed management plans.
Backyard fires
New Fraser Coast Local Laws will ensure smoke from backyard fires do not annoy residents.
The new laws were adopted by Council in December after two rounds of public consultation and feedback in January/February and July/August 2011.
The new Local Laws come into force on 1 January 2012.
“Backyard fires have long been a bone of contention,” Fraser Coast Regional Council Executive Manager Regulatory Services Andy Gaze said.
“Local Law Number 3 Community and Environmental Management will not stop people from having a wood-fired barbecue.
“The aim is to control potential fire risks as well as keep the peace. Smokey fires can create a lot of friction in a neighbourhood.”
The law regulates fuels people can use on a barbecue so they cannot set fire to the grass clippings, a pile of leaves, green waste or household rubbish and claim they are having a barbecue.
The move will also help residents lower their carbon footprint.
Changes to fencing laws
To protect the public, property owners will not be able to use barbed wire or electric fencing along boundaries with Council land.
The change is included in Council’s new Local Laws which came into effect on 1 January 2012.
In the built-up areas of Hervey Bay and Maryborough barbed wire can only be used in security fencing where the barbed wire is at least two metres above ground level, except where it is on a boundary between urban and rural areas.
Maps outlining the built-up areas are contained in the Local Law which can be viewed on the Council website.
The new laws were adopted by Council in December after two rounds of public consultation and feedback in January/February and July/August 2011.
Electric fencing in an urban area or on a lot smaller than two hectares must be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with Australian Safety Standards and must carry warning signs.
Fencing is covered under Local Law 3.
“The changes were made after feedback from residents who were concerned about public safety,” Fraser Coast Regional Council Executive Manager Regulatory Services Andy Gaze said.
“Sunset clauses have been built into the Local Laws so land owners who have existing barbed wire or electric fencing have time to replace it.””
Use of boats and jet skis at the beach now covered by Local Laws
In a bid to improve the safety of swimmers on Hervey Bay beaches the use of boats and jet skis will be tightened.
The use of boats and jet skis in bathing reserves is included in new Local Laws which came into force on 1 January 2012.
The Local Laws and Subordinate Local Laws set out how Council deals with everyday issues such as animal management, reserves, facilities, roads and parking.
Boats and jet skis are addressed in Local Law 6 (Bathing Reserves).
The Council has three bathing reserves along the foreshore: between Scarness Pier and the Margaret Street Groyne; between Grinstead Road and the western end of Mant Street and between the intersection of Mant and Corfield streets and the eastern end of Aplin Street.
In these areas a boat or vessel, jet ski or other motorised device is permitted only within the boat access or navigation channel; or within 20 metres of a public boat ramp or within 50 metres of a pier or jetty or beyond a distance of 200 metres from the shoreline.
“The changes were introduced to ensure public safety,” Fraser Coast Regional Council Executive Manager Regulatory Services Andy Gaze said.
“As the bay’s popularity increases among jet skiers and boaties we need to protect swimmers and the wading bird populations.”
Law changes for temporary advertising signs
People holding a garage sale will be allowed up to four signs under new Local Laws introduced by the Fraser Coast Regional Council.
The use of temporary A-frame signs and real estate signs is governed by Council’s new Local Laws which come into force on January 1.
“That includes signs advertising garage sales as well as bunting that is placed around events to attract attention,” Fraser Coast Regional Council Executive Manager Regulatory Services Andy Gaze said.
The Local Laws and Subordinate Local Laws set out how Council deals with everyday issues such as animal management, reserves, facilities, roads and parking.
People organising a garage sale will be allowed up to four signs. They must not be displayed earlier than the day before the sale and must be removed within 24 hours of the sale.
Temporary advertising signage is covered under Subordinate Local Law No 1 Sch. 9 Installation of Temporary Advertising Devices.
“The garage sale signs should not be in place for more than 72 hours in total,” Mr Gaze said.
The number of garage sales is limited to four sales a year to protect residents from people setting up unofficial businesses in residential streets.
The signs must not be fastened to trees or road infrastructure such as sign posts or guard rails and the person displaying the sign must have public liability insurance that covers the sign.
All the requirements for temporary advertising signage are contained in the new Local Laws and Subordinate Local Laws.
The new Local Laws and Subordinate Local Laws are available here, at Council’s Customer Service Centres in Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Tiaro and at Fraser Coast libraries.
