North Burnett Council demands reform after $62k dangerous dog bill

North Burnett Council has revealed the shocking amount a two-year dangerous dog case has cost ratepayers, as it pushes for major reforms at a state conference.

The North Burnett Regional Council will push for state government reform on several issues, including dangerous dog impounding costs, when it presents three motions at the state’s peak local government conference later this year. Mayor Les Hotz pictured.

The North Burnett Regional Council will push for state government reform on emergency services funding, flying fox management, and dangerous dog costs when it presents three motions at the state’s peak local government conference later this year.

At a special meeting held on Monday, July 28, the council decided which motions they would put forward to the Local Government Association of Queensland’s annual conference.

The event will be held in October on the Gold Coast, and is the peak annual conference for state local governments, which includes regional councils.

The conference gathers local government representatives, such as mayors and councillors, from around the state to discuss key issues, develop policies and network.

The North Burnett Regional Council has endorsed three motions they will submit for debate at the event.

The first motion called on the state government to review decisions relating to animal management matters, particularly when it comes to dealing with dangerous dogs. Photo: Stock image

The first motion called on the state government to review decisions relating to animal management matters, particularly when it comes to dealing with dangerous dogs.

The meeting agenda documents said the council had “first-hand” experience in dealing with the “complexity, cost and strain” that can arise from the custody and care of dangerous animals while decisions by authorities like QCAT are under review.

“During this time – and there are instances extending for two years and longer – the animal will remain in the case and custody of council,” the document read.

“In one notable example, Council has been holding an impounded dog for over two years in its limited pound facilities, as well as in facilities belonging to other councils.”

“The total costs incurred so far covering legal expenses and animal care have exceeded $62,000.”

The council was able to save almost $20,000 in impound costs as other council’s waived their full daily impound fees, which can be around $25 per day.

The animal in question had reportedly been subject to compliance action for around four years, with the current QCAT matter ongoing for two years.

It was argued that smaller councils like NBRC “simply cannot afford” these costs or have the facilities to appropriately manage long-term impounding, which impacts the limited amount of space available for other animals.

North Burnett Regional Council CEO Craig Matheson and Mayor Les Hotz.

The second motion called for the state government to take on the full financial responsibility for the operation of the SES.

According to the proposal, councils across the state continue to bear “significant financial and operational responsibility” in supporting SES units in their region.

It was noted that this arrangement does not allow for a fair distribution of funds, with emergency response units in some areas benefiting from “strong council investment” and those in rural and remote areas often struggling due to the councils’ limited budgets.

The document revealed the council provided more than $152,000 in support for SES operations during the 2024/2025 financial year.

“SES provide an annual funding subsidy to Council to support operations of approximately $30,000,” the document read.

“This subsidy does not cover the full cost life cycle of supporting SES operations and leaves Council to fund the gap each year.”

According to the proposal, around one million flying foxes were recently found to be roosting in a “small, contained area” in Mundubbera. Photo: Rose Reed / Central & North Burnett Times

The last motion to be submitted to the LGA conference for discussion was a review of the protected status of flying foxes and the establishment of more “agile” management arrangements in dealing with the impact on communities.

According to the proposal, around one million flying foxes were recently found to be roosting in a “small, contained area” in Mundubbera.

“This congregation had negative impacts on amenity, drinking water (tank water), vegetation and business operations,” the document read.

“These high numbers caused a rapid destruction of on-site vegetation, unnecessary severe stress for residents and adversely impacted business income.”

The proposed motions reportedly seek to address concerns that have been highlighted as “issues of importance” by the members of the council and the North Burnett community.

Through the LGAQ advocacy process, the council hopes to drive state-level policy changes that will deliver long-term improvements in how local governments across Queensland can respond to their communities’ needs.