City of Mount Gambier invites community feedback on its proposed By-Law provisions - local rules made under the Local Government Act 1999 that allow Council to permit certain activities, require permission for others, and prohibit some altogether.
By-Laws help keep the city safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone who lives in, or visits Mount Gambier.
“By-Laws are one of the key tools Council uses to support the wellbeing of our community,” City of Mount Gambier Manager Governance and Property, Brittany Shelton said.
“They help us manage public spaces, protect local amenity and respond to community expectations in a way that’s legally sound and locally relevant.”
A By-Law review is required every seven years and considers changes to laws and regulations, updates to Council’s responsibilities and services, and community concerns that could reasonably be addressed through a By-Law.
“Earlier this year we asked the community for feedback on the powers in the By-Law documents. For example, should Council be able to regulate dogs? Now, in phase two of the consultation period, we’re asking for feedback on how those powers should be applied, so for example, where should dogs be allowed off-leash?”
Following the first phase of consultation, Council now has six By-Laws:
Council is proposing a range of specific ways to apply its powers under the six By-Laws. Miss Shelton said the proposed By-Law applications reflect updates based on legislative reform, operational needs and community feedback. In particular, a phased rollout model has been proposed for the new Cats By-Law.
“It is proposed that the Cats By-Law will commence from 1 January 2026 and include free registration of cats for the first 6 months, followed by a reduced fee from 1 July 2026, equivalent to half the current registration fee for dogs. It outlines a 12-month grace period for enforcement of nuisance provisions, alongside an education campaign and data collection. Whether containment provisions are appropriate and required will be considered after the first year, subject to further consultation.”
Community members are invited to:
Feedback can also be submitted via:
All feedback received will be reviewed in a briefing session in November and considered by Council in December.
“Community feedback is essential. It ensures that the rules we apply reflect the values and needs of the people who live here. We’re asking residents to tell us not just what powers Council should have, but how those powers should be used,” Miss Shelton said.
Consultation is open until Wednesday 12 November 2025.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Ashlea Watson on (08) 8721 2578 or awatson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
