Have your say

Strathbogie Shire Council is calling on residents to help shape the rules that impact their daily lives — from fire pits and dumped rubbish to barking dogs and roaming cats — as it undertakes a full review of Local Law No. 2 and the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP). The two available documents guide how the shire manages public spaces, neighbourhood amenity, and the welfare and control of domestic animals. Local Law No. 2 – Community Amenity helps everyone live together safely and respectfully and covers a wide range of issues that affect daily life in the shire – from managing waste and outdoor burning to how animals are kept and how public spaces are used. This local law is about maintaining the look, feel, and safety of our towns and rural areas, making sure our shared spaces are protected, clean, and enjoyable for everyone. Business are also encouraged to have their say, noting there will also be some dedicated sessions for business in the coming months. The DAMP applies specifically to the care, control, and regulation of dogs and cats in the community. For pet owners, this plan provides clear guidance on responsibilities like registration, desexing, and keeping pets safely contained and outlines how council promotes animal welfare while respecting the needs of pet owners as well as the wider community, especially in terms of safety and nuisance concerns. Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the invitation for engagement was not just a routine check-in but a chance for the community to influence meaningful change on 'things that really matter'. “We’re not coming to the community with a finished draft and asking for tick-the-box feedback," Cr Ewart-Kennedy said. "We’re inviting people to collaborate with us on the things that can change. "What’s working, what’s not? What matters most to you (and) where can we do better in creating clean and safe public spaces or protecting the amenity of our neighbourhoods, and can we manage the keeping of animals better? “We know that more people are becoming pet owners and with that comes increased responsibility. "We also know residents care deeply about how we manage issues like illegal dumping, roaming cats, and fire safety. "This consultation is about balancing those needs.” The engagement period is from 9 July to 1 August and residents are invited to: · Complete a short online survey at Community Local Laws and DAMP Review · Attend a pop-up session to meet the local laws team. · Pick up a printed feedback form at council offices or libraries. · If these don’t suit, please contact councils customer service team and another method can be arranged All feedback received will help council draft new Local Law No. 2 and the new DAMP. These drafts will be released for further community comment before being finalised later in the year. Mayor Ewart-Kenndy encouraged all residents to get involved. For more information, visit: www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.auabout