Local Law amendments get tick of approval

Sunshine Coast Council today endorsed final amendments for its new suite of proposed Local Laws based on the outcomes from submissions received as part of its detailed review process across the region.

Feedback was received from state and public interest checks, as well as community consultations, conducted as part of its review of Local Laws aimed at consolidating the three previous sets of local laws.

Local laws provide for the good governance of the many diverse communities in the Sunshine Coast region. The proposed new suite will eventually replace the existing local laws for the region and provide one functional, easy to understand, enforceable and contemporary suite of local laws.

In response to the community consultation undertaken during August and September, 656 submissions were received.

Following robust discussion today, council resolved to forward the draft suite to the Minister for Local Government for approval.

When confirmation of Ministerial approval is received, the suite of Local Laws will be presented to council for approval on 9 December and will take effect from January 2012.

Corporate Planning and Performance Portfolio Councillor Tim Dwyer acknowledged the significant body of work undertake as part of the review and expressed sincere appreciation to council staff for their great work and also acknowledged community members for their participation and responses.

"Our Local Laws help create certainty around the way as a community we should conduct ourselves," Cr Dwyer said.

"Although most changes will not impact hugely on the community it is important that everyone takes the time to understand what may have changed that is relevant to their lives.

"Where a change will have significant impact, for example, changes to dog off leash areas, council will ensure that appropriate signage and education is undertake to help people do the right thing."

Once Ministerial approval is confirmed in December, council will conduct a comprehensive education program to explain how the changes will affect members of the public.

Local laws are statutory instruments of law and are ultimately enforceable through the Courts.