Proposed General Local Law on exhibition for community feedback
Published on 06 July 2023
Council’s proposed General Local Law is now on exhibition and community members are invited to provide feedback.
After a decade, Council’s three existing Local Laws will expire in coming months and Council has decided to replace them with a simpler, single Local Law supported by a guidance document.
Chief Executive Officer Anne Howard said extensive engagement had been undertaken with the general community and key stakeholders to bring contemporary views to the drafting of the proposed Local Law.
“Council received a fantastic response from the community with thoughts, ideas and suggestions on our current Local Laws and what the updated General Local Law should incorporate.
“An online survey received over 200 responses, as well as feedback gathered from Councillors, stakeholders and staff,” Ms Howard said.
“One of the themes of interest to our community was whether short-stay accommodation should be addressed through Council’s Local Law. This is a complex issue and Councillors have agreed to consider the issue in coming months, rather than include it in the General Local Law.
“Council officers have also gone back and reviewed customer feedback and requests received in the last three to four years regarding Local Law matters.
“We’re now seeking your feedback on the General Local Law which has been developed – tell us what you think, have we got it right, or what you would like to see changed,” Ms Howard said.
Council will conduct a five week consultation period which will enable Council to establish a new Local Law before the current Local Laws sunset.
“Should Council adopt the Local Law at the August 2023 Council meeting, there will be a further community engagement process after Easter 2024 to seek feedback on the effectiveness of the new Local Law.
“This gives our community an opportunity to live with the new Local Law, particularly during Christmas and peak holiday season, and Council the opportunity to consider the feedback before the end of July 2024.
“Local Laws are designed to keep our community safe, protect public assets and enhance amenity and liveability within the shire. We encourage people to have a look at what is proposed and make a submission.
“It’s been great to see the level of community engagement in this process so far, and I encourage our Colac Otway community to view the proposed Local Law and provide your feedback.”
A copy of the proposed Local Law and associated documents can be found on Council’s website. Hard copies are also available to view at Council’s Customer Service Centres in Colac and Apollo Bay.
Submissions to the proposed General Local Law close 5pm on Thursday 10 August 2023.