Surf Coast Shire Council endorsed its proposed Community Amenity Local Law at last night's Council meeting, with submissions now open to the public.
The Community Amenity Local Law is being reviewed for the first time in 10 years, with the current law due to expire on 14 December this year.
The draft aims to help provide peace, order and good government across the municipality, covering topics such as use of Council land and buildings, smoke free areas, camping and storage of boats, caravans and trailers.
A review commenced in March 2021, in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020 and Council's Community Engagement Policy.
An initial community campaign conducted during July and August received 580 survey responses, in addition to a number of separate submissions from individuals and groups.
Cr Mike Bodsworth said the endorsement and public exhibition was another step towards ensuring the law review aligns with topics identified by the community.
"There was a lot of engagement around burning off, pizza ovens and fire pits, nature strips (if planting should be allowed), boats, caravans and trailers – in particular storage on Council land."
From camping, recreational vehicles, to maintenance of building sites, Cr Bodsworth said finding a balance was important to the community.
"The consultation highlighted it's about finding a balance between protecting the community's unique nature, and managing planning for growth; sharing the Surf Coast with the world, while maintaining its community identity, and protecting and conserving the natural environment."
You can view the draft, which has tracked changes to show which sections have been updated, at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/YourSay, or Council's main office at 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay (where COVID restrictions allow).
Anyone can provide written submissions about the proposed Local Law, they can also be heard in person or a nominated representative can present on someone else's behalf.
