Residents' feedback included in new community amenity local laws

Published on 23 February 2023

Gannawarra Shire Council’s efforts to control community safety and protect public assets will be guided by a new version of one of its major documents.

The Community Amenity Local Law 2023 was adopted at the February 2023 Council Meeting following a two-month community engagement process.

The adopted document outlines laws relating to property maintenance, keeping animals, roads and vehicles, business and building works, liquor and smoking, Council land and permits and fees within the municipality.

“Council thanks all residents who took the time to review and provide feedback regarding the Community Amenity Local Law 2023, which outlines how Council maintains a vibrant, caring and prosperous community which offers social, economic and environmental sustainability,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

Council received 73 submissions during the community engagement period, with most of this feedback relating to Section 21: Keeping Animals.

“More than 80 per cent of responses received outlined concerns regarding the requirement that a permit would be required to keep poultry on land under 0.5 hectares in size other than farm land,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“As a result of this feedback, residents living on land up to one hectare in size, except for farm land or those living in flats, units or townhouses, can keep up to six chickens without requiring a permit. This matches laws that have been in place since the adoption of the previous version of Council’s Local Laws.”

To view the Community Amenity Local Law 2023, click on the Strategic Documents tab at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/documents