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Council is responsible for ensuring safe pet ownership and must prepare a four-year Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP). This Plan outlines programs, services, and policies for managing domestic and stray animals and supports both pet and non-pet owners.

The DAMP is supported by local laws, which also set out rules on the number and type of animals allowed, housing requirements, and issues like waste, noise, and road safety.

Proposed changes in this area include:

• Reducing the number of cats and dogs allowed on private properties that are not yet registered, from three to two on standalone properties and from two to one in multi-residential buildings in high-density areas. This responds to the expected rise in high-density living and its impact on comfort and well-being, particularly with more animals living in residential areas. The forecast population for the City in 2035 is expected to reach over 122,800, marking a 24% increase (24,000 additional residents) from the current population forecast of slightly more than 98,800 in 2025 (Maribyrnong City Council Population Forecasts by .id Consulting).
• A permit requirement for commercial dog walkers. By regulating this business activity, we can ensure effective control, safety, and cleanliness in public spaces.

This area of the Local Law relates to the appearance and safety of land and buildings, including things like unsightly properties, camping, and property numbering. Exceptions currently apply where permits have been granted under the Planning Scheme.

Proposed changes are:

• Strengthen rules on unsightly and dangerous land, disused excavations (on building sites where construction has stopped), unfinished buildings, litter and waste, overgrown vegetation, scrap material and machinery. The aim is to improve amenity, public health and safety, help control vermin, prevent land degradation, and enhance the visual appeal of neighbourhoods.
• Address neglected, deteriorating and dilapidated buildings of heritage significance to prevent demolition. This would help preserve the benefits of heritage buildings for future generations, by enriching communities and connection to our shared history.
• Review current requirements for residents to obtain a permit for nature strip planting. We want to ensure uniformity and safety in public spaces, maintain the aesthetic appeal of neighbourhoods, prevent obstructions along with the planting of noxious plants.
• Introduce new rules to manage noxious or environmental weeds. this would address a current gap in our by-laws, helping to protect local ecosystems, mitigate health and safety concerns (e.g. skin irritations, poisoning) and reduce costs associated with removing noxious weeds.

These changes focus on improving safety, cleanliness and neighbourhood appeal.

These clauses cover household bins, hard waste collection, trade waste bins, clothing recycling bins, and bulk rubbish containers.

The proposed change is:

• Introduce permits for private waste collection services to address the growing number of bins stored on Council land and roads. The aim is to improve safety for all residents by ensuring bins are stored properly and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, preventing obstructions on footpaths, and maintaining safe and clean public spaces. A permit system would regulate bin placement and appearance to meet these goals more effectively.
  

This relates to behaviour and activities on Council land, such as camping, alcohol consumption, signage, trading, events, dumping of shopping trolleys, and vehicle parking.

Proposed changes are:

• Address activities that may impact safety and amenity, such as misbehaviour, defacing or damage to public spaces, trees, or vegetation, and any obstructions.
• Regulate the storage of abandoned, derelict, or unregistered vehicles on Council land and roads, including those parked on nature strips.
• Address the use of e-scooters, allowing Council to regulate their use in some areas if needed.
• Regulating the parking of caravans, boats, and trailers on Council land and roads without a permit, including those parked on nature strips.
• Allow Council to declare certain locations and events smoke-free, bringing Council in line with other councils to support public health and help create cleaner, more welcoming spaces.

The benefits of these proposed changes focus on helping improve public health, safety, vermin control, prevent land degradation, enhance neighbourhood appeal, and help reduce traffic obstructions.