Project Overview

By-laws shape everyday life in the City of Holdfast Bay - from how we use our roads and public spaces to how we manage animals, signage and community safety. By-laws are local laws created by a council to address issues specific to the local area.

Every seven years, we review our By-laws to ensure they remain relevant, effective and aligned with community expectations.

There were six City of Holdfast Bay By-laws due for review. In addition, we proposed a seventh By-law - Animal Management (Roosters).

The proposed updates to the By-laws reflect seven years of insights, feedback and practical experience from the Council and our community. They included proposed improvements across the existing By-laws to address issues around jet-skis, unleashed dogs in playgrounds, and bins left on verges, along with the introduction of the new Roosters By-law.

We invited you to review the draft By-laws and share your feedback to ensure our regulations continue to support a safe, vibrant, and well-managed community.

Feedback closed on 5pm Tuesday 12 May 2026.

Consultation Summary

From 2 April to 12 May 2026, Council sought community feedback on proposed changes to its draft By-laws. The consultation period was extended due to the high level of community interest.

The purpose of the engagement was to understand community support for the proposed by-law changes and to ensure feedback informed future decision-making.

How we consulted

The community were able to provide feedback through

  • an online survey
  • written feedback by email or mail
  • phone submissions

What we heard

We received a total of 265 responses: 236 online, 13 hard-copy, and 16 email submissions.

Click on the + sign below to read how people responded and the key comments and concerns
We received 200 responses
  • 58.5% supported the proposed change
  • 22% did not support the proposed change
  • 19.6% were unsure.
Key comments and concerns received
  • swimmer safety concerns
  • jet skis operating too close to shore
  • noise impacts on residents and beach users.


We received 207 responses:
  • 45.9% supported the proposed change
  • 41.6% did not support the proposed change
  • 12.6% were unsure.
Key comments and concerns
  • bin timeframes being seen as too restrictive, particularly the proposed 24-hour limit.
  • strong support for greater flexibility, such as a 48-hour timeframe or exemptions where needed.
  • concerns about unnecessary regulation.
We received 238 responses:
  • 36.5% supported the proposed change
  • 59.7% did not support the proposed change
  • 5.9% were unsure.
Key comments and concerns:
  • a strong preference for fencing playgrounds rather than restricting dogs
  • concerns about the loss of off-leash spaces
  • the need to balance access for dog owners, children, and other users
  • the importance of dog exercise, socialisation, and wellbeing
  • some safety concerns for children.
We received 205 responses:
  • 65.9% supported the proposed change
  • 18.1% did not support the proposed change
  • 16.1% were unsure.
Key Comments and concerns:
  • support for managing noise impacts
  • some questions about whether the by-law is necessary.

General feedback regarding the By-laws included a preference for practical, flexible rules; the need for regulations that are both fair and enforceable; and a strong community interest in shared spaces, particularly parks and reserves.



Click here to read the By-laws consultation findings report open in new window

Conclusion and next steps

The Council report and full engagement findings were presented to Council on 23 June 2026 for endorsement of the By-laws.

Click here to read the Council agenda

Changes we are making following community feedback

The intent of the By-laws is to provide practical and fair rules that support community safety, protect shared spaces, and help ensure Holdfast remains a safe and welcoming place to live and visit.

In response to strong community feedback, the following amendments were made to the proposed draft By-laws:

  • Residents now having until 6pm the day after kerbside collections to bring their bins in, with flexibility for those who require it.
  • Removing the proposed requirement for dogs to be on a lead within 5 metres of any playground.

We have listened carefully to community feedback and will not introduce blanket leashing requirements across all play spaces. Council has the flexibility to introduce leashing requirements around play spaces in the future by resolution, should this be considered necessary. Council will assess individual play spaces, reserves, and other locations, enabling us to address concerns while continuing to support access, including off-leash opportunities for dogs across the city.

Note that dogs must always be under effective control, including by voice command, when off-leash. Community Safety Officers regularly patrol our play spaces, reserves and open spaces to help support a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the engagement and shared their views. Your input is highly valued and helps shape decisions that affect the whole community.