What you told us

During the stage 1 consultation, participants repeatedly identified the condition and use of public spaces as central to local amenity. Areas of feedback were extensive and included footpath obstructions, trees and vegetation, public infrastructure, nature strips, litter, the cleanliness of public-spaces, and the need for safe areas that enable access for pedestrians, wheelchair users and people with prams.

Our proposed response

The proposed amendments aim to strengthen controls on behaviour, damage, obstructions, interference with Council infrastructure and vegetation, and incorporate guidance for nature strip planting.

The proposed revision related to camping provisions also reflect the need for clarity and compassion, providing guidance around the clause intention, and acknowledging people who are sleeping rough, and their rights.

Clauses that relate to ‘Council land and roads’ include (pages 20 - 23 in the draft Community Local Law 2026):

28. Behaviour on Council land and roads

29. Access to a municipal building

30. Activities in or on a reserve

31. Obstructions on or over Council land and roads

32. Interfering with roads, Council land or infrastructure

33. Tree and vegetation protection on Council land and roads

34. Nature strip planting

35. Camping on a road or Council land

36. Bathing boxes

Key themes for proposed amendments

• A series of changes regulating behaviour and use of Council land and roads, defacing or damaging roads, Council land or infrastructure, damaging trees or vegetation on Council land and obstructions on Council land or roads.

• Incorporate Guidelines on Nature Strip Planting under the Local Law.

• Expanded definition of camping and provided clarity that clause is not intended to impact individuals experiencing homelessness.  Includes reference to the Bayside Homelessness Protocol.

• New clause: donation bins on Council land (permit required)