Community Local Law 2024-2034

Changes to the Community Local Law 2024

Notice is given, pursuant to section 74 of the Local Government Act 2020 that, at its meeting held on 21 November 2023, Whittlesea City Council resolved to make the Community Local Law 2024 apply throughout the municipal district.

The Local Law will take effect from 1 July 2024.

The objectives of this Local Law are to:

  • protect community safety and neighbourhood property across the municipal district
  • protect our natural environment and to provide a safe and healthy environment in which the residents of the municipal district can enjoy
  • improve access and enjoyment of public places for the community’s benefit and to regulate and control activities which may be dangerous, unsafe or detrimental to the quality of life in the environment of the municipal district
  • provide accountability and enforcement of incorrect community behaviour for the peace, order and good government of the municipal district, and
  • provide for the administration of Council’s powers and functions.

A copy of the proposed Local Law is available for inspection from Council Offices at 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang during office hours or via phone 03 9217 2170.

New Community Local Law

Following community consultation Council has updated its 2024-2034 Community Local Law.

The law sets out responsibilities and expectations for people in the City of Whittlesea to ensure we can live together harmoniously.

The law aims to make the community safer, take care of public property, and enhance local neighbourhoods - making the City of Whittlesea a welcoming place for everyone.

The updated law will take effect from 1 July 2024.

Here's a brief video that explains the changes.

You can also read the updated Community Local Law to see what impacts you.

Topics covered include:

  • cars and streets: including restrictions on parking trailers, and caravans in the street for long periods of time
  • pets and animals: guidance around the number of pets you can have and responsible pet ownership
  • rubbish and littering: disposing of large waste items and dumping of rubbish
  • fire safety: updates on outdoor burning and the use of fire pits
  • construction sites: the amount of noise, rubbish and other issues caused by construction projects.
Let’s work together to keep our community safe, clean, and welcoming for all.

Download the Community Local Law 2024-2034(PDF, 7MB)

About the Local Laws

Local laws cover a range of diverse topics from unsightly land, fire safety, animals, roadside reserves and footpath trading to planting on nature strips and building sites. They help you understand your rights and responsibilities and empowers Council to respond to local issues to protect public and private space as well as the community’s health and safety.

All Councils have a Local Law that is designed to:

  • protect community safety and neighbourhood property
  • protect our natural environment
  • improve access and enjoyment of public places for the community’s benefit
  • provide accountability and enforcement of incorrect community behaviour to benefit all residents in our community.

Our Local laws are designed to secure community safety, protect public assets and enhance neighbourhood amenities, and to make the City of Whittlesea ‘A Place for All’.

How Local Law affects you 

The Local Law can assist in resolving neighbourhood disputes, or to overcome a cause of local concern, such as noise or damage to a community asset.

In some circumstances, the Local Law may assist neighbours to agree amicable on appropriate behaviours whilst in other circumstances, breaches of the Local Law can be reported to the Council. 

What happens if you break the Local Law

If you breach any of the rules set out in the Local Law, Council and its authorised officers are able to:

  • give you an official warning
  • issue you with a legal Notice to Comply
  • issue you with an Infringement Notice or fine
  • prosecute in the Magistrates Court.

Download the current Local Law

Community Local Law 2024-2034(PDF, 7MB)

Seeking Compliance extensions

Notice to Comply Extension Request 

In some cases, if you're unable to complete the rectification works during the time provided, you may request a potential extension. You will need to provide proof for your reason to seek an extension.

Submit a Notice to Comply Extension Request

For clearance works contractors

Submit your clearance works details

More information

For further information to help you understand the Community Local Law changes, including and explainer videos, frequently asked questions, and translated material, visit Local Law Review.