By Violet Li
Casey Council is going to take a comprehensive review of its controversial Local Law, and fees for the private land use permits and their applications will be suspended during the review.
At the Casey Council Meeting on Tuesday 18 March, an alternative motion was unanimously passed to undertake a comprehensive review of the Casey Community Local Law 2023 and suspend fees for Local Law Private Land Use applications and permits during the review.
The motion also requested a detailed report from council officers for the council meeting next month.
The report was required to include a detailed timetable to undertake the review that ensures all members of the community could express their views and a scope for the review incorporating all relevant matters to be considered.
The relevant matters included private land use permit fees and charges, benchmarking and comparisons with other local government local laws, including fees and charges, legal parameters the Council is required to follow, guidelines and protocols for the application and enforcement of local laws, and balancing property owners use and enjoyment of their land while protecting community amenity and safety.
The alternative motion was raised by Deputy Mayor Cr Melinda Ambros and seconded by Cr Shane Taylor.
The original motion by council officers had a less clearly defined direction towards what to do next regarding Casey’s Local Law. It stated that Council “might look to consider options to provide clarity on the intent and implementation of the Local Law
2023, including additional explanatory notes within the Local Law 2023, undertake a review of permit fees and the application process; or undertake a partial or full review of the Local Law 2023”, according to the meeting’s agenda.
Deputy Mayor Cr Ambros said it was an alternative motion that would shape the future of the city.
She acknowledged the concerns shared among residents and believed the issue needed to have a responsible and respectful debate.
Cr Taylor acknowledged the good intention of the Local Law but said residents expressed concerns with the level of enforcement, especially on private property.
“That’s not the kind of council I want. It risks eroding trust and causing unnecessary angst in our community,” he said.
“I see this motion as a chance to take a step back, take a careful look, and make sure we’re getting it right.”
Cr Kim Ross noted that one of the important considerations for the review would be to ensure the laws are written and communicated in a way that is easy for all residents to understand.
“This includes the use of appropriate explanatory notes and also that it’s very clearly communicated on the council website,” she said.
“Aside from the communication, I encourage all residents to be involved in the process. You asked for it.
“As fellow residents, we hear you, we support you, but it’s up to you now to be involved.”
Cr Michelle Crowther said Local Law needed to focus on the impact of the amenity, rather than just numbers.
“Obviously, one unregistered vehicle in the front of a yard in Clyde North has a bigger impact than maybe five unregistered cars in a 10-acre property in Devon Meadows,” she said.
Cr Jennifer Dizon said she agreed with many in her community that some provisions regarding Local Law might be too restrictive or heavy-handed.
“Our goal, in my view, should be to have local laws that are fair and reflective of our community’s needs,” she said.
Mayor Stefan Koomen said the key part of the review is to ensure residents have their voices heard through the right forum.
“I think, for me, some of the real key elements that need to be reviewed, particularly around the fees,” he said.
Casey Residents & Ratepayers Association (CRRA) vice president Anthony Tassone said they welcomed the resolution adopted by the council.
“We need to get the balance right in helping maintain public safety and amenities for residents without inappropriately restricting what residents can reasonably do on their own private land,” he said.
“The CRRA stands ready to work with the council to help ensure the community’s voice is properly heard.”
