New rules are being proposed to manage where ‘jet skis’ (personal watercraft) can be launched or brought ashore. This is to improve safety for everyone using the beach.

There are currently no formal controls for launching and bringing a personal watercraft ashore. There are advisory signs preventing the launching of these crafts for safety reasons however, no formal, enforceable permit process is currently in place.

The proposed changes will require that an application be submitted before any new jet ski launching areas are considered. Council can refuse these applications if there are good reasons to do so, helping to manage safety risks, protect the environment, and maintain the enjoyment of beaches for the wider community.

New rules are being proposed to help manage how long bins can be placed out on the street.

Currently, there is no time limit on how long bins can stay out for prior to or after collection. Council has received complaints about bins being left out for long periods, which can look untidy and sometimes cause unpleasant smells.

Under the proposed By‑law, residents can put their bins out no earlier than 24 hours before collection and bring them back in no later than 24 hours after collection. This is in line with the rules used by many other councils and helps balance convenience for residents with the need to keep neighbourhoods neat and pleasant.

New rules are proposed to help better manage dogs in the City of Holdfast Bay play spaces, recreational areas and council work sites.

The current By-law does not specify where dogs must be on leashes in public spaces.

Under the proposed By-law, dogs would need to be leashed when in City of Holdfast Bay children's play spaces/playgrounds, designated fitness areas such as tennis courts and outdoor gym equipment, and within Council work zones*.

This approach would not only assist with the safety of people in playgrounds, fitness areas, and work zones but also help to keep dogs safe.

*Children’s playground means an enclosed area in which there is equipment or other installed devices for the purpose of children’s play (or within 5 metres of such devices if there is no enclosed area);

Recreation area means the following areas provided they are in a public place:

• tennis courts
• sport ovals at times when organised sport games or practice sessions are taking place

Council Worker Site means any land within 200 metres of a sign placed by the council on any Local Government land or public place that includes the words ‘Council Worker Site’.

A new By-law is proposed to address Roosters in residential areas due to noise concerns.

No By-law currently exists regarding the management of roosters.

This By-law proposes that any property wishing to own a rooster must apply for permission from Council. This would give Council an opportunity to require noise mitigation requirements. If the noise cannot be controlled, a permit will not be issued.

The new By-law recognises that the City of Holdfast Bay is a built‑up, urban area where the keeping of roosters is generally not suitable. Where roosters are kept, additional measures are necessary to ensure they do not create a nuisance for surrounding residents. The new By-law addresses this by introducing clearer controls and expectations. Many of these provisions are based on successful practices from other councils.