Have your say on changes to Fraser Coast local laws

Fines for illegally parking in a spot reserved for a person with a disability could more than double and regulated parking areas would be updated under proposed changes to Fraser Coast local laws.

Fraser Coast residents are being asked to provide feedback on proposed changes covering a broad range of issues including waste management, parking, fire safety and shopping trolleys.

Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said the proposed changes to the local laws come after community consultation and feedback.

“Council is responsible for making and enforcing local laws on issues not governed by state or federal laws,” he said.

“Local laws help communities to be better places to live by regulating certain behaviours, promoting safety, harmony and good rule in the community.

“There are seven local laws that apply across the Fraser Coast region, with the existing laws developed in 2011.

“Council conducted an extensive review during 2021 to ensure the laws reflect current community expectations, with many of the changes being putting forward now for consideration flowing from that review.”

A proposed amendment to Local Law No. 7 (Waste Management) 2018 would prevent the disposal in bins or other rubbish facilities of previously omitted material such as radioactive waste.

“The amendments would also clarify the onus of providing appropriate waste containers in serviced premises and restrict the time bins could be left on the kerb to 24hrs before or after a scheduled collection,” he said.

The proposal to amending Local Law 5 (Parking) aims to update the regulated parking areas to reflect additional, extended and existing parking areas and increase the penalty for parking in a spot reserved for a person with a disability.

The change would increase the fine from $287 to $575.

The proposed changes to Local Law 3 (Community & Environment) would:

• avoid duplication with Queensland State legislation by removing designated smoke free areas, prescribed swimming pool standards and noise provisions;
• add new identified local pests;
• simplify regulations on the lighting of fires to make it easier to understand;
• increase penalties for repeat offenders with overgrown or unsightly allotments;
• increase penalties for shopping centre retailers who repeatedly fail to ensure trolleys remain within their precinct;
• broaden the definitions of a fire hazard, a community safety hazard, and building appearance to better clarify the intent of the law, and;
• make minor administrative and readability amendments as required.

Residents can have a say by completing short online surveys on Council’s Engagement Hub website at  https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/local-laws or by emailing written submissions to community@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

The online surveys are open until 11:55 pm on Wednesday March 1 with mailed responses accepted until the close of business on Thursday, March 2.

The Engagement Hub website also include a document library with copies of the current local laws and the proposed changes in detail.