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Sunshine Coast Council endorsed a range of local law amendments at today’s Ordinary Meeting following community consultation earlier this year.

The changes relate to five local laws and four subordinate local laws to make local laws clearer, current and responsive to our community and environmental needs.

Governance and Customer Service Portfolio Councillor Ted Hungerford said the amendments ensured safety, harmony and good rule within the diverse communities of the Sunshine Coast.

“Changes to the local laws affect all residents, however the changes approved today will be of particular interest to health care service providers, business and dog owners,” said Cr Hungerford.

With the adoption of the amendments, a new category of parking permit will be created for health and community services, such as home care providers.

“This new category allows council to provide health care practitioners and registered carers, (with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) with parking permits to be able to provide their services without having to stay within signed time limits,” said Cr Hungerford.

A new approval process for building noise including building site delivery outside of normal hours in extraordinary circumstances have been included in the amendments. Extraordinary circumstances will need to be demonstrated and may include matters that impact public health and safety such as removing building materials or to minimise disruption on critical transport or utility infrastructure.

A previous proposal to remove a dog off leash area at Bokarina Beach has been modified following community feedback. It was originally proposed to remove the dog off leash area between beach accesses 245 and 247 in the wake of the proposed new bathing reserve and lifeguard patrol at Bokarina Beach. However, today Council resolved to introduce a new timed dog off leash area 5pm to 8am between Blue Haven Court and Moondara Drive Wurtulla (beach access 245-259).

Division 3 Councillor Peter Cox said the new timed off leash area aligned with the lifeguard patrol hours in new and existing swimming areas.

“I am pleased to have worked with the community to provide a valuable asset for our residents,” said Cr Cox.

The proposed amendments also include:

• Inclusion of a new prescribed activity for making amplified music noise in a special entertainment precinct (allowing regulation for newly created Nambour Entertainment Precinct within the Planning Scheme).

• Various animal management changes primarily around strengthening enforcement provisions.

• Inclusion of ability to utilise low voltage (Pingg) fencing adding additional capacity for the containment of cats within property boundaries.

• Clearer understanding around the ability for authorised persons (parking inspectors) to mark tyres using crayon, chalk or similar substance for enforcing parking regulation.

• The ability to regulate temporary placement of shipping containers for storage.

• Flexibility with eligibility requirements for commercial vehicle parking permits.

A number of minor administrative changes and updates of legislative references have also been made.

The amended local laws will be in place from December 20, 2019.

For more details on the local laws and upcoming changes, go to