Community survey advocates for law changes to keep pedestrians, motorists safe

A series of local laws will be changed to suit the entire Goondiwindi community to suit changing State Government laws and outcry from the community.

The relaxation of current local laws, creating a designated zone that allows motorbike riding at the Goondiwindi Town Common, is just one of several proposed amendments to local laws that Goondiwindi Regional Council is putting out to the community for feedback. Photo: Contributed.

Amendments to local laws in Goondiwindi have followed a community survey that called on council to change certain rules and regulations to suit every member of the community, mainly pedestrians and motorists interacting in the same vicinity.

Goondiwindi Regional Council is seeking feedback from residents after the proposed amendments to a series of local laws applied across the region.

Currently, the laws being changed include ones relating to compliance requirements for caravan parks and camping sites.

Penalties for parking and minor traffic offences will be brought into line with State Government recommendations.

Local law changes will also relax current regulations for motor vehicles including motorbikes in the Town Common, leaving a “regulated zone” for pedestrians and other users.

Councillor Rick Kearney encouraged residents to inspect the proposed amendments and give their feedback during this consultation period.

“Council will seek to balance the interests of all residents in these proposed local law changes, and I encourage all residents who wish to give their feedback, whether in support or objection, to make a proper submission,” he said.

“Council must follow a formal process to make any amendments to local laws, and can only accept formal, written submissions as part of the consultation process.”

“While federal or state legislation governs most laws, and Queensland road rules do apply to the roads within the Town Common, Council does have authority to amend a limited number of local laws to align with the needs and wants of the community as a whole.

“Like all public land, the Town Common is a community asset to be enjoyed by everyone.

“It needs to be looked after and treated with respect to keep it in good condition for the future – so I would invite all residents to let us know their feedback on what’s being proposed.”

Residents can inspect copies of the proposed subordinate local laws on Council’s website at https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/homepage/126/draft-local-laws-for-community-consultation or from Council’s Customer Service Centres in either Goondiwindi, Inglewood or Texas. Any person in support of, or objecting to, the proposed amendments must provide a written submission to Council before Friday, 26 March 2021.