Local law changes proposed for how animals are managed

Mandatory dog desexing would no longer be required and a new animal noise nuisance offence would be introduced under proposed changes to Fraser Coast local laws.

Fraser Coast residents are being asked to provide feedback on proposed local law changes covering various issues including animal management, nature strip planting, the proximity of mobile food vendors to similar businesses and approvals for nature-based tourism activities.

Cr Paul Truscott said the proposed changes come from 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 make our communities safer and better places to live, work and play. Seven local laws 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 the proposed changes flowing from that review.”

The changes proposed include:

• Removing mandatory desexing for dogs. In line with community feedback, the changes mean a breeding permit will no longer be needed to keep an entire dog, however, there will still be a higher registration fee. Council will continue to promote the importance of desexing through discounted registration fees and community education;
   
• A new animal noise nuisance offence will be introduced with a maximum penalty of $7824  and references added to acceptable noise levels being measured using electronic devices as well as traditionally discretionary methods such as the impact on affected residents;
   
• Simplifying the framework for keeping animals by removing references to urban or rural land to instead impose limits per allotment size with a focus on minimising disruption to neighbours;
   
• Allowing Council officers to assess if mobile food vendors could trade near similar businesses in certain circumstances, such as markets or major events. Under current rules, mobile food vendors can’t operate within 200 metres of a similar business;
   
• Removing the requirement for neighbours’ consent for applications for an additional pet and instead leaving the discretion to Council officers to consider the circumstances of each application;
   
• Amendments around public place activities which require approvals and setting stringent guidelines for camping grounds and tourist parks, with a new reference to nature-based tourism facilities in recognition of the growing interest in eco-tourism in the region;
   
• Amendments to pave the way for residents to plant small shrubs or other certain types of vegetation on their nature strips without a permit in preparation for new Council guidelines currently in development.

Feedback surveys for proposed amendments to the local laws are now open and can be accessed at https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/local-laws

The survey is open today (Monday 30 October 2023) and closes on Tuesday, 21 November 2023.