Wyndham City is exploring some additions to the Wyndham Community Amenity Local Law 2015 and is calling for community feedback as to whether these additions should be included in an update of the legislation.
Our Local Law protects the local amenity as well as regulates activities on private and council-controlled land and roads to keep our City safe, clean, and presentable. Council recognises that the needs of the community are evolving and has initiated a Local Law Review with a view to adopt a new Local Law in 2023.
In the first stage of the review process, Council has identified five issues outlined in the Local Law Review Issues Paper for discussion – including penalties for failures to comply with the suggested additions, and the resourcing required to support them.
The discussion areas are:
- Nature Strip Maintenance
- Shopping Trolleys
- Short Stay Accommodation
- Tree Removal on Private Property
- Food trucks on Private Property
Wyndham City Mayor Cr Peter Maynard said the review was just the first step to understand the community’s thoughts on new additions before presenting a complete draft Wyndham Community Amenity Local Law 2023 for feedback later in the year for consultation.
Nature Strips
“Traditionally, nature strips have been mowed by residents through unofficial agreement and Council is considering strengthening this agreement in response to the increasing number of complaints about unsightly nature strips,” Cr Maynard said.
Abandoned Shopping Trolleys
“We’re suggesting modifications to another old favourite – abandoned shopping trolleys. Council is looking to strengthen existing clauses in the Local Law to ensure retailers take responsibility of their property and stop trolleys being dumped.”
Short Stay Accommodation Issues
Wyndham City’s Community Safety portfolio holder Cr Susan McIntyre said other potential additions include introducing legislation that manages complaints about noise, waste, parking and other matters relating to Short Stay Accommodation (eg. houses rented online).
Permits to Prune Trees on Private Property
“We’re also considering provisions under legislation that require a permit to remove or significantly prune any trees on private property that have a diameter greater than 35cm (measured at 1.4m height),” she said.
Food Trucks on Private Property
“Food trucks are well loved in our City, but they need to operate safely and we’re seeking feedback on provisions that require a food truck operating on private property to meet conditions relating to safety and amenity to prevent congestion, manage noise and other issues.”
“Our Local Laws are in place to keep our City safe and for us all to enjoy. I look forward to seeing community feedback on the Local Law Review Issues Paper.”
For more information and to participate in consultations online and in person head to The Loop by 30 September at: https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/local-law-review
