Have Your Say On Local Laws

Redcliffe residents are being given the opportunity to have their say on local government regulations, including those related to fires and fire pits, animal control, and illegal dumping and littering.

Between 1 April and 30 June, Moreton Bay Regional Council is inviting residents to provide feedback on the full range of local laws as part of a sweeping review.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the questions were simple but significant: what issues do you have with local law matters and what ideas do you have to resolve these issues?

Local laws play a major part in everyday lives by setting community standards and improving the livability for all residents, Mayor Flannery said. They regulate a wide range of matters from backyard fire pits, animal-keeping and parking, to advertising signs, festivals and events, and many more.

Council regularly reviews these laws to make sure they reflect community expectation, and this is especially important as our region grows and changes, he said. I want everyone to have their say on what they think needs to be changed and what is working well through our online survey, so we can make informed decisions on future local laws.�

The review will mean laws, such as those banning backyard fire pits, could be subject to reconsideration by Council. Outdoor fires (including backyard fire pits) are currently prohibited on properties smaller than 3000 sqm, unless they are properly contained and for the purpose of cooking food.

Other matters up for discussion include overgrown lawns, unsightly pools, how many cats and dogs you can keep, and consuming alcohol on public land.

Mayor Flannery said once feedback had been received, Council would draft new proposed laws.

These proposed local laws will be provided to the community for another round of feedback before they are taken to a councillor vote in the chambers for adoption,� he said.

Public notification and the opportunity to comment on the draft Local laws is expected to occur late this year to early next year.

The review process is due to be completed with public notification of making of local laws (pending Council resolution to adopt new local laws) scheduled for mid-2022.

For the full list of local laws and to put your case forward go to: yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/local-laws-review

Alternatively, you can write to Council with your feedback at Local Laws Review Project Team, Moreton Bay Regional Council, PO Box 159, Caboolture, QLD 4510 by 5pm on 30 June.