Some new definitions have been added to make it clearer, more consistent and easier to understand for Council and the community.

• Added clear definitions for “adversely”, “amenity” and “detrimental”.

• Aims to improve transparency, reduce confusion and ensure consistent interpretation.

• These terms are used frequently in the Local Law and can have a significant impact on enforcement, so it’s important they are well understood.

Update to the clause to allow temporary dwellings to be used on private land for up to two consecutive months without needing a permit. This is an increase from the previous limit of 14 days in any 60-day period.

• Temporary dwellings (eg tents, caravans, shanties) would be able to be used on private land for up to two consecutive months without a permit, increased from 14 days in any 60-day period.

• This change reflects the community’s call for more leniency in times of housing need.

• A permit would no longer be required if a temporary dwelling is used for up to two months, as long as it doesn’t cause a nuisance or adversely impact on the surrounding area’s amenity.

• Use beyond two months would still require a permit, and Council can act if the use causes amenity impacts.

Update to the clause to exempt shipping containers from needing a permit if they’re already approved under the Casey Planning Scheme or have a Building Permit. Also added clearer definitions for different types of residential areas relating to shipping containers.

• A permit would no longer be needed if a shipping container is already approved under the Casey Planning Scheme or has a Building Permit.

• We’ve defined “residential area” in relation to shipping containers more clearly to guide permit requirements:

• Suburban areas: permits are typically required due to visual impact

• Semi-rural areas: permits may be needed, depending on visibility and proximity to homes

• Rural areas (over 4.0 hectares): generally exempt from needing a Local Law permit

• Shipping containers have also been included in the Local Law definition of “unsightly”, unless they have the proper approvals. This will help Council manage situations where they may negatively affect the look and feel of an area.

Removed permit requirement for using recreational vehicles on private land and instead have introduced noise-based time restrictions in line with EPA regulations.

• A permit would no longer be required for casual use of recreational vehicles on private property.

• Recreational vehicles must however be used during permitted hours to minimise noise impacts. Prohibited residential noise times under EPA guidelines are:

• Monday to Friday - before 7:00 am and after 8:00 pm

• Weekends and public holidays – before 9:00 am and after 8:00 pm

• Regular or frequent use outside permitted hours, or where noise causes nuisance, property damage or disturb neighbours, may require a permit to meet amenity and safety standards.

• This update sets a clear noise-based standard instead of a blanket ban on recreational vehicle use without permits. It responds to community requests for more flexible rules while addressing amenity concerns and improving Council’s ability to manage issues.

• A permit would no longer be needed to repair, service or dismantle vehicles or machinery on your property or store unregistered vehicles. 

However, these activities are still regulated through clauses relating to: 

• Unsightly land: covers excess vehicles, poor storage or visually unpleasant conditions.

• Detrimental to amenity: includes anything that harms health, safety, property or the comfort and wellbeing of neighbours.

• This change reduces red tape for residents while still giving Council the tools to manage genuine amenity concerns in the community.

Rules around 24-hour timeframes for bins and the ban on hard rubbish fossicking have been removed. A new law has been added to help prevent people from dumping household waste in public bins. 

• The 24-hour bin placement and removal timeframes have been removed due to low community support. Concerns about bins left out will be managed through education, not Local Law enforcement.

• The ban on fossicking through hard rubbish has been removed to encourage reuse, recycling and support a circular economy.

• A new law has been introduced that would prevent people from dumping household waste in public litter or recycling bins, addressing increased misuse that affects bin capacity and cleanliness.

• These changes respond to community feedback on bin accessibility in public areas and litter complaints.