Regulation Advisory Committee - 28 May 2026 2.00 pm

Topics

• Council committee backs 16 local law topics for next drafting stage
  Committee moves a broad package of local law issues into drafting after community consultation.
  The decision can lead to rule changes affecting residents, businesses and local amenity across multiple everyday activities.
• Possible tougher response to repeat overgrown property complaints
  Council is considering drafting changes that could allow more direct infringement action against repeat overgrown property offenders.
  Could improve Council enforcement on nuisance properties and change how quickly repeat breaches are penalised.
• Local law consultation on draft changes tipped for early 2027
  The committee noted the draft local law package is expected later in 2026, with public consultation planned for early 2027.
  Residents and businesses will have another opportunity to influence proposed local law changes.

Decisions

• Minutes confirmed
  The minutes of the Regulation Advisory Committee meeting held on 29 January 2026 were confirmed.
  Administrative only; no direct service or policy change.
• Local law review - overgrown properties
  The report on enforcement options for repeat overgrown property offences was received and noted. The review identified a drafting issue that currently limits direct action, with a possible future change to allow PINs to be issued more directly for repeat offences.
  Could affect how quickly Council can act on repeat overgrown properties and nuisance complaints.
• Local law review - community engagement outcomes
  The committee agreed that 16 topics proceed to the next phase of the local law review, while the topic of roosters will not proceed in this review and may be considered in a future review. The community engagement report was received and noted.
  Shapes which local law topics may change and what issues remain unchanged for now.
• Local law review - draft local law framework
  The report on the draft local law framework and drafting instructions was received and noted.
  Signals the next stage of local law reform before formal public consultation.

Discussion

• Repeat overgrown property enforcement
  The committee discussed the current requirement for a compliance notice before a penalty infringement notice can be issued, and noted this may be reviewed so Council can respond more directly to repeat offenders.
  Relevant to property owners and neighbours affected by unmanaged overgrown properties.
• Local law review consultation outcomes
  Community engagement results were used to decide which topics advance. Sixteen topics, including busking, cemeteries, parking, food trucks, footpath dining, heavy vehicle parking, kennels and catteries, landscaping on nature strips, not-for-profit mobile services, swimming pools, residential building site containment systems, special entertainment precincts and temporary homes, will progress; roosters will not.
  May lead to future changes affecting businesses, residents and local amenity.
• Drafting and consultation timeline
  The committee noted draft local laws are expected to return around November 2026, with formal community consultation planned for late January or early February 2027.
  Residents and stakeholders will have another chance to comment on proposed local law changes.

Impacts

• Possible stronger enforcement options for repeat overgrown properties.
• Several local law topics are moving forward for drafting and may later affect residents, businesses and property use.
• The topic of roosters will not proceed in this review stage.
• Further consultation on draft local laws is expected in early 2027.

Next

• Prepare draft local laws based on the 16 topics approved to progress
  Drafting phase, with the committee advised around November 2026
• Prepare the topic of roosters for possible consideration in a future subsequent review
  Future review, timing not specified
• Undertake formal community consultation on draft local laws
  Late January or early February 2027
• Present draft local laws to Council for consideration
  After drafting phase is completed

Extract

28 MAY 2026 REGULATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(02)] of 4 REGULATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(02) 28 MAY 2026 REPORT ATTENDANCE: Councillor Paul Tully (Chairperson); Councillors Jim Madden, Marnie Doyle (via audio-link), Andrew Antoniolli and Councillor Jacob Madsen (Observer) and Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic (via audio-link)(Observer) and Councillor David Martin (Observer) APOLOGIES: Nil OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE: Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager, Corporate Services (Matt Smith), Manager, Strategy Governance and Performance (Haiden Taylor), Principal Officer, Governance (Barbara Dart), Manager, General Counsel (Allison Ferres-MacDonald), General Manager, Planning and R...