Local Law Review

Why do we have Local Laws?

The Local Government Act 1995 enables local governments in Western Australia to make local laws for the good government of their districts.

Local laws allow the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley to regulate activities and matters that are specific to our local community and help ensure that public places, facilities and activities are managed in a safe, fair and appropriate way.

Under section 3.16 of the Local Government Act 1995, a local government is required to periodically review its local laws. A review must be undertaken within eight years from the day a local law commenced, or from the day the local law was last reviewed.

The purpose of the review is to determine whether each local law should:

  • remain unchanged;
  • be amended; or
  • be repealed.

Local laws support the community by:

  • promoting community safety, health and amenity;
  • protecting Shire and community assets;
  • protecting the local environment;
  • providing for the appropriate use of public places, facilities and thoroughfares;
  • managing activities that may create a nuisance, obstruction or risk to others; and
  • supporting the effective and consistent administration of local government responsibilities.

Local laws may regulate activities that could:

  • adversely affect the amenity of an area or the environment;
  • cause a nuisance to other people;
  • damage Shire or community assets;
  • create an obstruction, hazard or safety risk;
  • interfere with the safe and convenient use of Shire property, public places or thoroughfares;
  • impede safe and accessible movement; or
  • adversely affect the community's use and enjoyment of public places.

2026 Local Law Review s3.16

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley is undertaking a review of its local laws in accordance with section 3.16 of the Local Government Act 1995.

As part of the review, the community is invited to provide feedback on the Shire's existing local laws and to identify any matters that should be considered when determining whether a local law should remain unchanged, be amended or be repealed.

Local Laws Currently Open for Comment

Preliminary assessment: As part of the review, the Shire has undertaken a preliminary assessment of each local law. The proposed outcomes shown below are provided to assist the community in making submissions. No final determination will be made until the consultation period has closed, submissions have been considered and the review has been presented to Council.

Local Law Name  Assessment Proposed Outcome
LL-1000 Meeting Procedures Local Law
The local law continues to provide a local regulatory framework for public health matters within the Shire and supports the management of local health and environmental health issues. No changes are proposed as part of this review.
 Remain unchanged
LL-1001 Fencing Local Law The local law continues to provide a local regulatory framework for public health matters within the Shire and supports the management of local health and environmental health issues. No changes are proposed as part of this review. Remain unchanged
LL-1002 Health (Food) Local Law The local law continues to provide a local regulatory framework for public health matters within the Shire and supports the management of local health and environmental health issues. No changes are proposed as part of this review. Remain unchanged
LL-1003 Health Local Law
The local law remains necessary and appropriate; however, amendments are proposed to modernise its provisions, address identified operational issues and ensure consistency with the current legislative framework. Specific amendments will be developed and subject to the separate statutory local law-making process
 Be amended
LL-1004 Local Government Property Local Law The local law continues to provide a local regulatory framework for public health matters within the Shire and supports the management of local health and environmental health issues. No changes are proposed as part of this review. Remain unchanged
LL-1005 Dogs Local Law The local law remains necessary and appropriate; however, amendments are proposed to modernise its provisions, address identified operational issues and ensure consistency with the current legislative framework. Specific amendments will be developed and subject to the separate statutory local law-making process Be amended
LL-1006 Bush Fire Brigades Local Law The local law remains necessary and appropriate; however, amendments are proposed to modernise its provisions, address identified operational issues and ensure consistency with the current legislative framework. Specific amendments will be developed and subject to the separate statutory local law-making process Be amended
LL-1007 Parking and Parking Facilities Local Law The local law remains necessary and appropriate; however, amendments are proposed to modernise its provisions, address identified operational issues and ensure consistency with the current legislative framework. Specific amendments will be developed and subject to the separate statutory local law-making process Be amended
LL-1008 Activities on Thoroughfares and Public Places and Trading Local Law The local law remains necessary and appropriate; however, amendments are proposed to modernise its provisions, address identified operational issues and ensure consistency with the current legislative framework. Specific amendments will be developed and subject to the separate statutory local law-making process Be amended
LL-1009 Cemeteries Local Law
The local law remains necessary and appropriate; however, amendments are proposed to modernise its provisions, address identified operational issues and ensure consistency with the current legislative framework. Specific amendments will be developed and subject to the separate statutory local law-making process
 Be amended
LL-1010 Extractive Industries Local Law The local law continues to provide a local regulatory framework for public health matters within the Shire and supports the management of local health and environmental health issues. No changes are proposed as part of this review. Remain unchanged

Note: LL-1011 Repeal Local Law 2003 is not included in this review. In accordance with section 3.16(8) of the Local Government Act 1995, the periodic review requirements do not apply to a local law where its sole purpose is to amend or repeal another local law.

Have Your Say

Community members are encouraged to review the local laws and provide comments about their operation, including whether they remain relevant and appropriate for the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley.

Feedback can be provided through the online submission form on this page or in writing.

Written submissions can be addressed to:

2026 Local Law Review
Chief Executive Officer
Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley
PO Box 614
KUNUNURRA WA 6743

Submissions Close: 4pm, Tuesday 3rd November 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Shire reviewing its Local Laws?

Section 3.16 of the Local Government Act 1995 requires local governments to periodically review their local laws.

The review provides an opportunity to consider whether the Shire's existing local laws continue to be appropriate, effective and relevant to the needs of the district and community.

Does this review mean the Local Laws are being changed?

Not necessarily.

The purpose of the review is to determine whether each existing local law should remain unchanged, be amended or be repealed.

Following the public consultation period, Council will consider the submissions received and determine the outcome of the review.

Where Council determines that a local law should be amended, repealed or replaced, a separate statutory local law-making process will be undertaken in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995. This process includes further public notice and an opportunity for community submissions on the proposed local law.

Who can participate in the Local Law Review?

The review is open to everyone. Residents, businesses, community organisations, government agencies and other interested persons are encouraged to provide feedback.

What should I comment on?

You may provide feedback on any aspect of the Shire's existing local laws.

For example, you may wish to comment on whether a local law:

  • is still relevant or necessary;
  • is clear and easy to understand;
  • is working effectively;
  • contains requirements that are no longer appropriate;
  • should address an issue differently; or
  • should remain unchanged.

You can also identify matters you believe should be considered as part of any future amendment or replacement of a local law.

How do I provide feedback?

You can provide feedback by:

  1. completing the online submission form on this page; or
  2. providing a written submission to the Shire using the contact details above.

Please clearly identify the local law and, where possible, the provision or subject matter your comments relate to.

Will I know if my submission has been received?

Yes. The Shire will acknowledge written and online submissions received during the consultation period.

What happens to my feedback?

Following the close of the submission period, all submissions will be reviewed and considered as part of the Local Law Review.

A report will then be presented to Council summarising the submissions received and recommending whether each local law should remain unchanged, be amended or be repealed.

Council will consider the community feedback together with legislative, operational and administrative requirements when determining the outcome of the review.

If Council subsequently decides to amend, repeal or replace a local law, the relevant statutory local law-making process will be undertaken separately, including any further public consultation required under the Local Government Act 1995.