Unsightly and dangerous land
We are proposing:
- Stronger rules to address land and buildings that are dangerous and rundown.
Why?
This will make neighbourhoods safer and more visually appealing.
We are reviewing our General Local Law and want to hear your thoughts. Your feedback to help us understand what’s important to you and will help to shape the new General Local Law.
What is the General Local Law?
The General Local Law guides Council’s compliance and enforcement activities for a wide range of topics, including property amenity, construction sites and the keeping of animals.
Why is it under review?
By undertaking a review of the General Local Law, Council can ensure it is meeting current community expectations while also protecting our community’s health and safety and our assets and facilities.
We would like your feedback on this Local Law and also invite you to share your ideas on other issues you think we should explore. Feedback from this initial round of consultation will help us take into account emerging issues and ensure the local law is relevant
Proposed Changes
Below are the laws we are considering changing. You can choose to provide your feedback on as few or as many of the topics listed as you like.
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Pets and animals
We are proposing:
- Changing the number of animals that can be kept on private property.
- Allowing people to keep 2 cats in high-density areas, instead of just 1.
- Stronger rules about how to house animals so they don't get out.
Why?
We recognise the new cat confinement order will change how people house and care for their pets. These rules will help protect pets, people and wildlife and their habitat.
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Businesses
We are proposing:
- Stronger shopping trolley rules. We want retailers to be responsible for their trolleys and require trolleys to be identifiable.
- Stronger rules around attachments, like signs, on shop awnings. This includes things like maintenance, gutters, bunting and flags, mounted air conditioners, old signs.
Why?
These rules will make shopping areas more pleasant and safe and protect heritage areas.
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Waste and Recycling
We are proposing:
- Revising rules around bins that are used by trade and commercial businesses. We will offer better guidance on how to use and keep bins.
- Clearer rules on how to dispose of domestic and hard waste.
Why?
These improvements will keep Council land and roads cleaner, safer and more accessible.
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Council asset protection
We are proposing:
- Stronger rules to protect council assets. This includes things like damaging Council land, protecting trees and vegetation, obstructing or using Council land and roads without permission.
- Stronger rules and more clarity about how building sites are managed. This means better management of waste, fences, stormwater protection, nearby roads and accessibility around sites.
Why?
This is to ensure safety and accessibility in public places.
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Vehicles and roads
We are proposing:
- Introducing parking permits for caravans, boats, trailers and commercial vehicles that will be kept on Council land for long periods.
- New police powers to address gatherings of spectators at hooning activities.
Why?
We want to make our streets safer and make it easier to follow up on complaints from the community about vehicles.
Join the conversation
You can share your feedback by completing the survey or making a written submission by Wednesday 6 May 2026.
Online survey
- Find the rust-coloured "LOG IN/JOIN" button at the top of the page and click it to start registering.
- Select "LOG IN" if you already have a profile on Conversations Merri-bek OR select "SIGN UP" to create a new profile.
- To create your profile you will need to add: Screen name, email address, password, full name and postcode. Check the boxes that apply and click "CREATE ACCOUNT".
- You can now continue with your submission
We require you to register to complete the form to protect the integrity and fairness of the consultation.
The information you provide also helps us to meet our legislative obligations and improve our processes.
Your personal details will not be used for any other purpose. Find out more about our privacy policy here: https://conversations.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/privacy...
In-person
We will be organising pop-up sessions for you to come and chat to us in person. These will happen in the last 2 weeks of April but have not been confirmed yet.
Follow the project to receive an email update once dates are confirmed.
More
Other ways you can submit your feedback
Prefer not to use the online form? You can also make your submission in writing and return it to us in these ways:
Mail
Local Law Review
Merri-bek City Council
Locked Bag 10, Brunswick 3056.
Email
locallawreview@merri-bek.vic.gov.au
In person
Merri-bek Civic Centre at 90 Bell Street Coburg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can the community influence this project?
What can be influenced?
- How any proposed changes are considered
- Any additional changes you would like to be considered.
- Improved clarity or explanations (eg improved definitions)
What can't be changed?
- Look and format of the Local Law
- Wording clarity, consistency and document order
- Requirements set by legislation
- Parameters set by Council’s strategies, plans or policies
- Application and enforcement, including penalties
- Adoption timeline (by November 2026).
