Fraser Coast amends more local laws
Fines for illegally parking in a spot reserved for a person with a disability have doubled and the rules around what can and can’t happen in bathing reserves have been updated as part of changes to Fraser Coast local laws that have now taken effect.
Cr Zane O’Keefe said local laws helped make our communities safer and better places to live, work and play.
“Council is responsible for making and enforcing local laws on issues not governed by state or federal laws,” he said.
“There are seven local laws that apply across the Fraser Coast, with Council commencing an extensive review in 2021 to ensure the laws reflect current community expectations.
“The changes coming into effect now, and over recent months, have flowed from that review.”
Local Law 5 (Parking) has been amended to update the regulated parking areas to reflect additional, extended and existing parking areas and to increase the penalty for parking in a spot reserved for a person with a disability from $309.60 to $619.20.
Local Law 6 and Subordinate Local Law 6 (Bathing Reserves) has been amended to:
- Widen the types of activities permitted in bathing reserves to acknowledge the diversity of sport and competitions that use these areas;
- Update several definitions around the aquatic equipment that can and can’t be used in bathing reserves;
- Add or update definitions of terms to better reflect the use of bathing reserves.
Cr O’Keefe said Local Law 6 provided measures to ensure it was safe for people swimming in bathing reserves and regulated the use of aquatic equipment.
“A bathing reserve is part of the seashore, the land under the sea, and the sea, which has been placed under Council’s control by the State Government,” he said.
“The Fraser Coast has bathing reserves at Hervey Bay, Dundowran, Toogoom, Maaroom and Tuan.
“The amendments to this local law change the definitions of aquatic equipment to include things such as stand-up paddle boards which were not around when the laws were last reviewed.
“The list of items not allowed in a bathing reserve, such as land yachts, and what can be permanently moored in a reserve, has also been amended.
“The changes to the laws make clear that motorised equipment, such as jet-skis, must stay at least 50 metres on each side from a bathing area.
“This is to ensure the safety of swimmers and our volunteer lifesavers.
“The changes to Local Law 6 do not introduce new powers or offences, it’s all about updating and improving the existing laws.”
More information about Council’s local laws is available here.