General information about local laws in Bass Coast is listed below. More detailed information is contained within our General Local Law.
We may remove any vehicle that is derelict, abandoned or unregistered and left in the street or parked on Council land. The vehicle may be sold if it is not claimed by the owner within seven days.
Advertising signs or goods, including motor vehicles, on display for sale on Council controlled land is not allowed. Advertising signs on private property require a planning permit.
Permits are required to camp on private and public land. It is an offence to camp without a permit. This includes sleeping in vehicles.
To reduce nuisance and unsafe behaviour, you cannot consume or possess liquor (other than liquor in a sealed container) between sunset and sunrise, and not at any time in CBD areas.
Owners and occupiers of land are responsible for keeping their land in a safe and reasonable state.
To prevent the outbreak of fire, you are asked to keep your property free from long grass or other materials that may constitute a fire hazard. A person must not allow a fire to remain alight if the fire is causing a nuisance and a local laws officer or emergency services officer has given a direction to that person to extinguish the fire.
We are proud of our beautiful natural areas and clean towns within the Shire. Please assist us keep Bass Coast clean by placing rubbish in the litter bins provided or taking it with you. Community Safety Rangers enforce the Litter Act and anyone littering can be issued with a $100 on-the-spot-fine. Household, commercial or industrial waste must not be deposited in Council litter bins on any Council land or road. More information about littering is available from EcoRecycle Victoria.
Noise of all sorts can be a nuisance for neighbours, especially early in the morning and late at night.
Times when noise created by building works is generally permitted, is between 7.00am - 8.00pm on weekdays and 9.00am – 8.00pm on weekends and public holidays.
Domestic noise, such as stereos and TVs can also be annoying. The times that domestic noise is generally permitted are: Monday to Thursday 7.00am to 10.00pm Friday 7.00am to 11.00pm Saturday and Public Holidays 9.00am to 11.00pm Sundays 9.00am to 10.00pm For more information about what noise levels are permissable visit the EPA website or phone (03) 9695 2700.
If you wish to discuss a neighbourhood dispute contact our Community Safety Rangers or visit the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria for more information.
It is an offence to light a fire in the open air in a built up area without a permit from Council. Country Fire Authority restrictions also apply and severe penalties may be incurred. Learn more about Burning Off Guidelines for Rural Properties.
Trees or shrubs overhanging walkways can cause injury to pedestrians. They can also be a visual obstruction for motorists. Overhanging tree branches should be trimmed back to the property line. Please note that permits are required to remove any trees or native vegetation in specific areas of Bass Coast Shire.
Parking restrictions are in force across the municipality, mostly around the central business districts and high volume traffic areas such as schools. These restrictions aim to ensure the safety of all road users and pedestrians.
Please obey the directions of school crossing supervisors as they are vital in safeguarding our children and other pedestrians. Road safety is a community effort – please play your part. There are 10 school crossings located throughout the Shire. These crossings are manned between 8.00am - 9.00am and 3.00pm-4.00pm. When school crossing flags are in place, these crossings become available to all pedestrians. Adults are encouraged to use school crossings when the flags are in place, to encourage children to cross safely.
"Toy vehicle" means a vehicle (other than a bicycle) ordinarily used by a child at play and designed to be propelled by human power. It includes a child’s tricycle, scooter, skateboard, roller blades, roller skates and similar toys. For the safety of residents and visitors, the use of these toy vehicles in some areas of the Shire is prohibited. These areas are primarily near major shopping precincts and are sign posted.
For more information on any of these laws please contact our Community Safety Rangers Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).