Information on Useful Legislation and By-Laws

Maroondah Council Local Law No. 5 - Public Safety and Amenity

Published by Alex Makin on Sunday 29th of January, 2006

Local Law No. 5 is a Maroondah Council by-law which relates to public safety and amenity. The local law which came into effect in January 2000 aims to protect Maroondah’s amenity through reducing harm to public safety, public health and the environment.

Issues covered within the local law include graffiti, trees and vegetation and animal management (including the number of animals allowed within a household). The materials that are allowed within the general garbage collection and within the recycling bins is also covered within this local law.

Local Law No. 5 - Public Safety and Amenity was designed to ensure that the community is aware of risks to Maroondah’s environment and public health and is therefore worth reading by any Maroondah resident or ratepayer.

A copy of local law no. 5 - Public Safety and Amenity is available from the Maroondah City Council website (PDF).

Local Government Act 1989

Published by Alex Makin on Friday 27th of January, 2006

The Local Government Act of 1989 and further amended on 12 December 2005 outlines the conduct of local government within Victoria, including the administration, conduct and election of local councils. The ability to create local laws, charge rates and the specific powers and accountability measures for local councils is also included.

The Local Government Act of 1989 is useful reading for anyone interested in the functions, roles and responsibilities of local councils.

The Local Government Act can be downloaded from the Australasian Legal Information Institute.

Health Act 1958

Published by Alex Makin on Monday 16th of January, 2006

The Health Act of 1958 (and further amended on 11 May 2005) is a Victorian Act of Parliament which covers a number of areas relating to public health such as nuisances and immunisation. The Health Act also empowers local councils to investigate complaints and perform inspections.

• The full Health Act can be downloaded from the Australasian Legal Information Institute.

As an example, the Health Act and specifically Part III (Nuisances) was invoked in dealing with the excessive noise created by Southern Rocycling due to the following sections of the Act:

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