Local laws and subordinate local laws

Local laws help govern issues within the region including parking, animal management and waste management. Under the Local Government Act 2009, Council has the authority to make and enforce local laws.

There is a type of local law called a subordinate local law which provides in more detail, the principles contained in a local law.

You can download local laws and subordinate local laws from the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs website by searching for our Council in the Local Laws Database, or click the links below.

Local Law No. 1 - Administration

To provide a legal and procedural framework for the administration, implementation and enforcement of the local government’s local laws, subordinate local laws and specified regulatory powers under legislation, and to provide for administrative matters.

Local Law No. 2 – Animal Management

To regulate and manage the keeping and control of animals in the local government's area.

Local Law No. 3 – Community and Environmental Management

To protect the environment and public health, safety and amenity within the local government's area.

Local Law No. 4 – Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities and Roads

To protect the health and safety of persons using local government controlled land, facilities, infrastructure and roads; and preserve features of the natural and built environment and other aspects of the amenity of local government controlled land, facilities, infrastructure and roads.

Local Law No. 5 – Parking

To compliment the regulated parking provisions in chapter 5, part 6 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 by providing for the exercise of local government powers authorised under that Act.

Local Law No. 6 – Bathing Reserves

To enhance the public safety and convenience of bathing reserves placed under the local government’s control through orderly management and regulation of activities within these reserves.

Local Law No. 7 – Aerodromes

To regulate the use and operation of aerodromes controlled by the local government; and provide for fees and charges for various rights; and provide for the powers and authority of persons authorised by the local government for the purposes of this local law; and provide for penalties for breaches of the local law; and provide for liability arising out of use the aerodromes.

Local Law No. 8 - Waste Management

To protect the public health, safety and amenity related to waste management.


Abandoned vehicles

Council is responsible for enforcing the relevant sections within the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 relating to abandoned vehicles.

Council has a responsibility to remove any vehicle, trailer, caravan etc parked on any road or public place under Council control that is considered to be abandoned or is a significant safety risk. If deemed abandoned, including being unregistered or a safety risk, Council will place a notice on the vehicle requiring its removal. If the owner does not contact Council or remove the vehicle within 48 hours the car will be impounded. Vehicles deemed hazardous may be removed immediately. Once impounded, Council will attempt to identify and notify the owner by mail and/or by advertisement in the local newspaper and provide a final opportunity to claim ownership prior to the vehicle going to auction or being otherwise disposed of.

To report an abandoned vehicle contact Council on 1300 883 699, the Council website or via the ‘Snap, Send, Solve’ mobile phone app. If you have a missing vehicle contact the Police first to ensure it has not been recovered or illegally taken then contact Council to enquire if it has been impounded.

Busking & fundraising permits

Buskers and community fundraising events add a touch of colour to our communities but there are regulations in place to ensure these activities do not interfere with business operators or residents engaged in their day-to-day activities.

Subordinate Local Law No.4 (Local Government controlled areas, facilities and roads) 2011(PDF, 83KB) outlines how all performance artists or fundraising charities must hold a current permit issued by Council before they can raise funds in the Bundaberg Regional area.

To apply for a permit the applicant simply needs to visit their nearest Council service centre and complete the Application for a Permit to Perform or Fundraise.

There is a nominal fee associated with the application with no additional cost for the issuing of a permit. A permit will not be approved if the proposal involves the promotion of either commercial or religious activities or products.

Applicants must seek the support of the business operator at the location where the applicant will be positioned.

The business owner must complete Part B of the application which signifies their support for the application. If approved, the permit is valid for one month and is subject to certain conditions.

Drone operations

The operation of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), including model aircraft, in Australia is regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Once off the ground, all drones must adhere to rules and regulations set by CASA.

Rules for flying drones recreationally are detailed on Know Your Drone. These rules must always be followed, any breaches of these regulations are enforceable by CASA and penalties may apply. Complaints or concerns regarding drone usage in your area should be referred to CASA.

Flying from Council owned/controlled parks & reserves

Drone operations within Council parks and reserves is a regulated activity under Council’s Subordinate Local Law 4 (Local Government Controlled Areas, Facilities and Road) 2011, and requires Council approval.
You can apply for a permit from Council to operate a drone in our parks and reserves by emailing ceo@bundaberg.qld.gov.au with the following details:

  • Your name and contact information.
  • Details of your proposed flight plan, including the park/reserve and specific dates and times.
  • Make, model and weight (if known) of drone(s).

Noise nuisance

The operation of drones can cause noise nuisance to other people. You should be mindful of the effect your aircraft use can have on others, wildlife and the environment.

Privacy collection notice

Council does not operate drones with the intention of collecting personal information. Any personal information collected will only be accessed by authorised Council officers and will be handled in accordance with Council's Privacy Statement governed by the Information Privacy Act 2009. Any personal information collected inadvertently will be de-identified before disclosure.

Council drone operations

Council may operate drones in the region for the purpose of monitoring and maintaining Council assets, capturing aerial footage, monitoring environmental impacts and conducting aerial surveying and mapping.

Our drone operation portal below provides information on Council drone activity in your area including the purpose for the flight.