Chance to comment on latest Local Law draft

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council’s reworked General Local Law 2024 draft document has been released for public consultation, with its considerable changes taking account of extensive public feedback on the original version.

The consultation period runs until January 15, 2024.

While councillors again urged community members to have their say, they stressed the importance of providing meaningful feedback rather than a broad dismissal of local law.

Cr Scott Rae encouraged people to read the newly released local law document before providing feedback, with Cr Mick Felton backing up that message and urging the community not to rely on Facebook for information.

“As a ratepayer you should be involved in your local council,” Cr Felton said, noting laws change and you need to keep abreast of the situation.

“Stop listening to individuals that have an agenda,” he said of what he labelled misinformation on Facebook, encouraging people to ring him if they have any local law questions or concerns.

Cr Jenni Keerie thanked those responsible for the 366 submissions received during the previous round of General Local Law consultation.

“What concerns me though is that 137 of those submissions told us nothing, except we don’t approve,” she said.

Cr Nathan Hersey noted that the consultation now occurring includes the Christmas period, enabling those with holiday homes in South Gippsland Shire and visitors to contribute their ideas on the proposed local laws.

In addition to ironing out concerns about potential negative impacts on local agriculture and making changes in relation to camping on private land, a couple of new aspects are included in the revamped local laws draft.

These additions were highlighted by Cr Rae, who said he wanted to ensure nobody suggested they have been added by stealth.

He said treated pine is now included on the “do-not-burn schedule”, noting he has received information from the EPA about why treated pine shouldn’t be burnt, and will share that knowledge with anyone who asks.

The other new aspect of the local laws Cr Rae noted relates to the enforcement of noxious weed control within South Gippsland Shire.

He said that should the newly specified weed requirements be adopted, he will seek an amnesty and education period to help people adjust, a call supported by Cr Hersey.  

Visit the ‘Your Say South Gippsland’ website to have a say or watch for details of other opportunities to contribute your thoughts on the latest local laws draft.