Proposed changes to Casey Council’s Community Local Law 2018 could see owners of dilapidated buildings face stricter fines, and permits scrapped to fly a drone on private land.
It comes after a derelict Hampton Park Food Market on Hallam Road was labelled an “eyesore” and “Melbourne worst” but council says it has listened to residents and will take action to ensure similar issues are mitigated into the future.
Casey mayor Amanda Stapledon said it was essential laws were in place to protect the municipality from unsafe and unsightly buildings.
Under the current Local Laws, she said there were “no controls” from a planning perspective to hold owners accountable for cleaning up their sites, and did “little” to enforce compliance, particularly for commercial premises.
Cr Stapledon added the proposed changes would allow stricter infringement penalties for property owners who fail to rectify dilapidated buildings.
“Buildings in these states are not only a visual eyesore in the community; they can also be attractors for crime and anti-social behaviour, thereby impacting the real and perceived safety of local communities,” Cr Stapledon said.
Council is also proposing to remove the requirement to obtain a permit if residents wish to use a drone on private land. However, there are rules around how and when people can fly a drone, as set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
“After engaging with user groups and residents it became clear that CASA already have laws in place to regulate the use of drones on private land, which is why we have listened to stakeholders and are proposing to remove this clause in our Community Local Law,” Cr Stapledon said.
“We will continue to liaise with CASA and our residents to ensure drone usage is complying with regulations across our municipality.”
Casey Resident and Ratepayers Association president Arvo Talvik said he would support both measures, as they appeared “reasonable and thought out.”
A copy of the proposed Community Local Law, and the accompanying Community Impact Statements are available for review, and may be obtained, during office hours at the Casey customer service centres at Bunjil Place or Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre.
These documents are also available on council’s website. Submissions are due by 5pm on 4 October and can be made on the Casey Conversations website.
