Regulations and Laws
Statutes and Laws
Council's Rangers are responsible for the enforcement and administration of a number of statutes and local laws. The administration of these statutes and our local laws includes investigating complaints, providing public education and awareness and issue of infringement notices or instigation of prosecutions for non-compliance for offences and breaches.
Public Education
The best means of preventing breaches and offences is to provide sound, accurate and easy to understand information. There are a number of pamphlets and information notes covering dogs, livestock, off road vehicles and other matters which are dealt with by Ranger Services. Rangers visit local schools to inform students of the various issues relating to Local Government law enforcement and the role of Rangers in the community.
Statutes, Acts, Regulations and Laws
For the safety and general well being of the community, Council's Rangers administer a number of Statutes being the Local Government Act 1995, Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Dog Act and Regulations, Litter Act, Bushfires Act and Regulations and Control of Vehicles (Off Road Areas) Act. Copies of these Statutes are available from the State Law Publisher. In addition, Council provides a number of Local Laws which are administered by the Rangers being Councils Local Laws relating to Livestock, Dogs, Kennels and Catteries, Unsightly Lands and Parking Facilities. These Local Laws are available for viewing on this website under Council / Local Laws & Policies.
Animal Control - General
Rangers attend to straying dogs and stock and impound if necessary, liaise with rural landowners regarding stock security, liaise with local vets and the Dept of Agriculture, Local Rangers, Animal Welfare Groups and provide public education and advice on responsible pet and stock ownership and management.
Animal Welfare and Wildlife
Animal welfare and wildlife issues are not within the authority of Councils Rangers. For assistance please call the RSPCA on (08) 9209 9300 (animal welfare) or CALM on (08) 9193 1411 (general wildlife enquires).
Off Road Vehicles
There are problems within the Shire relating to the illegal use of Off Road Vehicles (ORV), mainly motor cycles. The control of off-road vehicles is an important issue, aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing environmental degradation. Rangers, WA Police and CALM are working closely together to reduce this problem. It is requested that the public inform either the Rangers or Local Police of any details or the identity of offenders.
Illegal Camping
Uncontrolled, illegal camping damages and pollutes the environment and creates the additional risk of wild fires starting in remote or inaccessible areas.
Litter and the dumping of rubbish
The problem of illegal dumping of rubbish and materials is an increasing problem within the Shire. Rangers Services rely on the community to assist in identifying offenders. Rangers check for illegal dumping of rubbish during regular patrols and vehicles and trailers en-route to waste disposal sites and the escarpment are targeted for insecure loads or illegal dumping activities. Rangers liaise with the Keep Australia Beautiful Council (KABC) and other local and regional authorities to identify offenders and work to raise awareness regarding litter control and the correct disposal of rubbish.
Abandoned motor vehicles
Abandoned vehicles are an ever-increasing problem and are frequently left in situations that create dangerous hazards for motorists. Prompt removal is often required and Rangers work closely with local Police to ensure this is carried out. They trace and contact vehicle owners whenever possible and arrange towing and/or impounding and disposal of abandoned vehicles.
Parking
Unlawful parking practices cause considerable inconvenience and in some cases create dangerous situations. Rangers have an important role to play in reducing these risks. Although the issuing of Parking Infringement Notices is obviously not a popular task, the fact remains that it is sometimes the only way of ensuring compliance with the restrictions. A high priority is the regular patrolling of special parking bays set aside for disabled persons which tend to be misused by able-bodied drivers.
Dividing Fences, Encroaching Roots & Branches
The issue of dividing fencelines, encroaching roots and overhanging or obstructing branches are addressed by the provisions of the Dividing Fences Act 1961. Actions and processes relating to these issues require a common law action to be undertaken by the landholder. Brochures briefly detailing processes is available from Shire offices.
Vandalism and Damage to Public Property
Over the past years the instance of vandalism, graffiti and damage to public property within the Shire has increased. The cost of repairs to these senseless acts have increased considerably and is paid for by the ratepayer. Community support in identifying offenders is essential to resolve this problem. To report offences in progress or other relevant information, please contact local Police or Ranger Services. | 
