City keeps control over assets, building sites

A LOCAL law designed to maintain protection of public assets in Bendigo has been extended by another five years.

City of Greater Bendigo councillors at their May meeting voted to extend the law, which also covers control of building sites, until 2028.

Known as Local Law 11, it has been in place since 2013. It was re-adopted last year for one year to allow for a detailed internal review and community consultation.

The review found no irregularities in terms of its operation with other local laws, and no community feedback was received.

“The outcome was to re-adopt Local Law 11 in its current form,” an officer’s report said. “It is also worth mentioning that the city’s community local law policy expires in 2028 which will trigger a detailed review into all local laws in 2027.

“It is anticipated that Local Law 11 will be superseded when this takes place.”

The local law is about providing the protection of public assets like kerbs, paths, trees, drains and roads, inspection regimes and authority of city officers, protection of stormwater quality, sanitary facilities, rubbish control, materials and equipment storage, and non-compliance penalties.

Under the law, the city is able to better regulate the impact of private works and activities on public assets through a requirement to apply for a permit.

“The permit process also enables city officers to assess the condition of relevant community assets in the vicinity of the proposed works immediately prior to the works beginning,” the report said.

“This process enables a before and after private works comparison to be made so that any damage incurred to city assets during the private works can be legitimately attributable and appropriate reparations sought.”

Cr Julie Sloan moved that the local law be extended, saying that if it were not, the city would have reduced power to monitor and enforce safe building practices on public land.

Her motion was carried unanimously.