By-law input time sought

By Kath Gannaway
BUSINESS and community groups across Yarra Ranges are calling for more time to consider a raft of by-laws proposed under Yarra Ranges Council’s Draft General Provision Local Laws.
Yarra Ranges Council, however, says the initial draft is part of an informal process aimed at stimulating community thinking about what may or may not be considered in the local law.
The 76-page by-laws document was released for comment in mid-November with a closing date for submissions of 16 December.
In the face of growing concerns about both the timing of the release and the lack of information in the draft, the council has also moved to reassure.
Executive Officer, Communications Tracey Varley said “We will ensure the community has ample opportunity to give us their thoughts about the final draft.”
The aim of the final document is to consolidate all existing Yarra Ranges’ local laws and bring their expiry dates into line for administration purposes. However, there are also changes to existing laws, and new laws included in the draft.
As Healesville Chamber of Commerce issued a “call to action” and told members it would consider the by-laws issue at its 6 December meeting, Mount Evelyn, Belgrave, Lilydale and Yarra Glen chambers, along with the Yarra Glen Township Group, told the Mail they had not had sufficient time to look at the document at what is for traders groups the busiest time of the year.
“I just don’t think we’ve been given enough time for something that is so far-reaching and affects every resident in one way or another,” Belgrave Traders Association president George Harmon said.
“You have groups such as fire brigades, and service clubs which may want to look at this and see how it effects their operations and with Christmas, followed by holiday time, mid-February would give you a chance,” he said.
Alistair Osborn, Lilydale Chamber president, said they would be struggling to get a submission in and don’t meet again until February.
Valma Owen of the Healesville Action Group also called for more time, saying she was still trying to get information and clarification on elements of the draft document.
She said their group was frustrated by the lack of detail which, she said, made it impossible to write a meaningful submission.
“When I asked (Yarra Ranges Council) for an explanation of the liquor law – does it mean you can’t drink alcohol anywhere, or is there a map which shows the areas, I was told there will be signs put up.
“When I said we need to know to put in a submission, I’ve been told to just put that we don’t understand the document and that will be our submission.“
“We need to have proper answers to these and other questions, and we need more time to do that,” Ms Owen said.
Healesville resident Kersten Gentle also called for more detail.
“I’ve asked for a definition of an open fire, for instance can we have a little camp fire on our property, and I’ve been told they can’t provide a definition.
“When you have so much that’s open-ended, with no amounts on fines or permits, how can the community give a considered response?”
Ms Varley answered concerns about the timing saying the consultation and extensive advertising by the council had been ahead of the Christmas holiday period.
“All comments can be considered by council into the new year whilst the final draft of the local law is being prepared,” she said.
The final draft will go to council for endorsement before a final round of consultation begins.
The draft General Provisions Local Law 2012 is available on-line at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au or from council offices.