New Local Laws

Since 2005 the Local Laws Committee originally consisting of Crs Tang, Ashmor, Robilliard and me and since the 2008 election of Crs Tang, Pilling and me have conducted an exhaustive and sometimes an exhausting review of all of Glen Eira's local laws. The job is now almost complete and the revised laws are being placed on public exhibition for review and consultation.

There are some in our community who have queried the need for so many rules and regulations suggesting that they are invasive and that we are over regulated. That view however is not only unrealistic but ultimately narcissistic. In any society we have rules that regulate our behaviour. That is even more so at the local government level as the day to day invariably affect us, fro having overhanging branches, car parking issues, unsightly properties and more. Isn't it always the way that those who criticise are often the first to seek redress from the very same source that they impugn.

Many out dated laws were either removed or altered. Others have been added to recognise current problems eg, Contractors and Sub-contractors parking at or near building sites.

Nature strips were also considered and the law will now allow property owners to plant under certain conditions.

Is the law perfect? - I think not but a very detailed examination was carried out and it is now up to the community to add suggestions.

Princes Park & Dog Poop

For some months now there have been complaints by sporting clubs that children playing sport on the oval have fallen into dog poop. At this time the central oval is an off leash dog area. Many dog owners put their dogs onto the oval and then walk way not supervising their dog. Other owners simply do not collect their animal droppings leaving them on the grass.

The Council has sought to deal with the issue by having increased ranger patrols but to date the problem remains.

Council considered a number of actions but ultimately there was consensus that at the bare minimum signs would need to be erected instructing dog owners that they must clean up after their dog and have the dog under effective control. Further, Council decided that in lieu of immediate fines for infringements a warning would be given and fines only imposed for a second or subsequent offence.

Cr Penhalluriack met with some of the stakeholders and it is hoped that they will be able to find a consensus position that will deal with the problem without impinging on dog owners ability to use the oval.

At the Council meeting held on the 21st July there was a suggestion that the issue be deferred to allow stakeholders to meet. That proposition was not supported as the Council's actions are a bare minimum and do not restrict further and better action being adopted.

I said at the Council meeting that people are more important than dogs. That is not in any way to belittle the benefit of pets but ultimately if it comes down to a child's health or the rights of dogs to run unrestricted then I have to say people win. I also said that unless the stakeholders can agree and unless the problem is solved more stringent measures will need to be adopted. I sincerely hope that this will not be necessary and certainly all Councillors are of one in seeking to support stakeholders in finding a solution.

The reality is that most dog owners are responsible and the problem is caused by only a few. Perhaps those that regularly use the park can remind others of their responsibilities.