Help Shape Strathbogie’s Future: Community Invited to Have a Say on Local Laws and Domestic Animal Management Plan

Strathbogie Shire Council is calling on residents to help shape the rules that impact our daily lives—from fire pits and dumped rubbish to barking dogs and roaming cats—as it undertakes a full review of Local Law No. 2 and the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP).

These two essential documents guide how we manage public spaces, neighbourhood amenity, and the welfare and control of domestic animals across the Shire

Local Law No. 2 – Community Amenity helps everyone live together safely and respectfully. It covers a wide range of issues that affect daily life in the Shire – from managing waste and outdoor burning to how animals are kept and how public spaces are used. This local law is about maintaining the look, feel and safety of our towns and rural areas, making sure our shared spaces are protected, clean and enjoyable for everyone. Business are also encouraged to have their say, noting there will also be some dedicated sessions for business in the coming months.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) applies specifically to the care, control and regulation of dogs and cats in our community. For pet owners, this plan provides clear guidance on responsibilities like registration, desexing, and keeping pets safely contained. It also outlines how Council promotes animal welfare while respecting the needs of pet owners as well as the wider community, especially in terms of safety and nuisance concerns.

Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said this engagement isn’t just a routine check-in but a chance for the community to influence meaningful change on things that really matter.

“We’re not coming to the community with a finished draft and asking for tick-the-box feedback. We’re inviting people to collaborate this with us on the things that can change. What’s working? What’s not? What matters most to you? Where can we do better in creating clean and safe public spaces or protecting the amenity of our neighbourhoods and can we manage the keeping of animals better?”, Mayor Ewart-Kennedy said.

“We know that more people are becoming pet owners, and with that comes increased responsibility. We also know residents care deeply about how we manage issues like illegal dumping, roaming cats, and fire safety. This consultation is about balancing those needs.”

The engagement period is open from 9 July 2025 to 1 August 2025. Residents are invited to:

• Complete a short online survey at Community Local Laws and DAMP Review | Share Strathbogie
• Attend a pop-up session to meet the Local Laws Team.
• Pick up a printed feedback form at Council offices or libraries.
• If these don’t suit, please contact Councils customer service team and we can arrange another method

All feedback received will help Council draft new Local Law No. 2 and the new DAMP. These drafts will be released for further community comment before being finalised later in the year.

Mayor Ewart-Kenndy encouraged all residents to get involved,

“Whether you’re passionate about responsible pet ownership, concerned about stray animals or duping of rubbish, or simply want to enjoy safe. Well-managed neighbourhoods – your voice matters,” Mayor Ewart-Kennedy added.

If you would like to meet with the Local Laws team, sessions are being held at the following times and locations:

• Wednesday 16 July 2025 10:00 am – Strathbogie, Strathbogie General Store, 30 Main St, Strathbogie
• Wednesday 16 July 2025 1:00 pm – Tablelands Community Centre, 27 Nolans Rd Ruffy
• Wednesday 23 July 2025 10:00 am – Nagambie, Visitor Information Centre, 293 High St, Nagambie
• Wednesday 23 July 2025 12:30 pm – Avenel, Daily Dose Avenel, 2 Queen St, Avenel
• Wednesday 23 July 2025 03:00 pm – Longwood, Longwood Pub Paddock, Down St, Longwood
• Wednesday 30 July 2025 10:00 am – Euroa, Burton’s IGA Euroa, 75 Binney St, Euroa
• Wednesday 30 July 2025 1:00 pm – Violet Town, VT Community Complex, 35 Cowslip St, Violet Town

For more information, visit: www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au