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Tuesday 6 May 2008

Public feedback wanted on Bylaw Review

Clutha District Council is asking the public to have its say on Council’s Bylaw Review 2008.

Bylaws are rules or regulations that are created by the Council to control specific activities within the Clutha District.

Chief Executive Charles Hakkaart said that over the past few months, Council had internally reviewed its bylaws, and in some cases it had assessed that a new bylaw was the most appropriate way to tackle an issue or problem.

“An example of this is the draft Liquor Control Bylaw which aims to address alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, vandalism and littering in parts of both Balclutha and Milton,” Mr Hakkaart said. “Council believes this bylaw is necessary due to such behaviour in and around public areas, such as the public toilets in both Balclutha and Milton, which can intimidate and prevent people from using these facilities.”

The Bylaw Review had also resulted in the proposal to combine the existing Stock Droving, Parking and Traffic, and Speed Limits 2005 bylaws into a new draft bylaw called the Roading Bylaw. The proposed draft Roading Bylaw also incorporated a new part for Road Damage and Danger, Mr Hakkaart said.

A summary of other major changes proposed under the Bylaw Review include:

·                     The addition of provisions to place temporary glass bans in public places.

·                     Introduction of a fine for prohibited types of freedom camping.

·                     Proposed two tier infringement regime for littering in public places ($100 for minor littering and $400 for major littering).

·                     Removal of the licensing requirements for trading in public places in favour of a ‘conditions of operation’ approach.

·                     Notifying Council when moving stock on roads in certain situations:

·                     Charging for recovery of costs when it comes to causing damage or road safety dangers on roads.

·                     Changing the speed limit from 100km to 70km on Kakapuaka and Titri Roads.

·                     Extending the Urban Traffic Areas in Balclutha (Tsukigawa Terrace) and Benhar (McSkimming Lane).

A Summary of Information on the Bylaw Review, as well as the Full Statement of Proposal (the draft bylaws), are available at all Council offices and Service Centres, and on the Council website. Submissions on the Bylaw Review close on Tuesday 3 June, before a Hearing of oral submissions and changes to the draft bylaws are decided on 5 June. The new bylaws will then be adopted by Council on 19 June, before coming into effect from 1 July 2008.