Moreland Council’s controversial local law changes come under fire from residents

A MELBOURNE council that wants to allow public drinking, give the homeless the right to camp on the street and permit people to rummage through neighbours’ bins has come under fire from ratepayers.

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CONTROVERSIAL local law changes allowing homeless people to camp on the street, drinking in public and rubbish bin rummaging could be scrapped after almost 150 people spoke out.

Moreland Council is looking to relax several of its local laws — but concerned residents attended a public meeting last week to talk through their submissions.

HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think of the proposed law changes? Tell us below.

Under proposed changes, residents would be allowed to put their rubbish in and take rubbish out of other people’s bins, as well as drink in public, but would be required to obtain a permit to host a community stall, conduct personal training at a public park, and busk in certain areas.

Designated areas would also allow for homeless people to camp without being moved on or prosecuted.

Many residents argued the new camping law would clog up public space and be abused by backpackers wanting a free ride, with rubbish rummaging also coming under fire for being an “invasion of privacy and open to identity theft and fraud”.

Another said loosening alcohol restrictions would increase violence and sexual assault.

“This would not bring any benefits and would put extra pressure on police,” the resident said.

Mayor Helen Davidson told the Leader the proposed laws would likely be modified in response to significant community feedback, before coming back to councillors later this year.

“There are varying views across the community and nothing is set in stone,” Cr Davidson said.

“We want a balanced approach that values personal freedom with an overarching sense of compassion.

“One aspect of the policy I’m really supportive of is not prosecuting homeless people and providing them with services instead, but I’m not supporting designated camping areas.”

Socialist Alliance Councillor Sue Bolton called for the camping amendment to be deleted altogether due to discrimination concerns.

“If someone is extremely embarrassed, would they define themselves as homeless?” she said.

She said the permit requirement for community stalls should also be scrapped, to allow for free speech.