What Does Your Local Ranger Do?
Rangers are Local Government law enforcement officers responsible for the management of a number of Acts of Parliament and Local Laws within the Shire.
What is an act of Parliament
A proposal for a new law that has been presented to Parliament is called a Bill. When a Bill is processed and passed through Parliament, it becomes an Act of Parliament. Acts of Parliament are enforced by government departments and agencies, or organisations that have been given responsibility from the government to implement or enforce their policies. For example: Police Officers, Local Government Rangers, Department of Environment and Conservation and the RSPCA.
What is a Local Law?
Local Governments (For example: Councils) have the power to make local laws considered necessary for the good governance of their districts. Local and State wide comment from the public is considered before the proposed laws are accepted. The Shire Ranger Services implements and enforces policies that deal with many different Acts and Local Laws and some of these are listed below:
- Abandoned Vehicles
- Parking
- Off-Road Vehicles
- Verges and Thoroughfares
- Litter
- Illegal Camping
- Fire Hazards
- Dogs
- Feral Cats
For more information contact the Rangers at the Shire office
What is an FCO?
The Shire appoint Fire Control Officers to assist with the management of Bushfires Act 1954 and the control of wildfires. Fire Control Officers undertake training to prepare them for the role and develop a team of local people to lead our community through emergencies. Fire Control Officers also prescribe fire permits and undertake firebreak inspections.
How to Register a Pet
Dogs & Cats over 3 months are required to be registered with the Shire. You can register your pet by the following form or visiting the Shire office. For more information on fees refer to the animal management tab below
To register your dog, click HERE.
To register your cat, click HERE.
I've Lost my Pet, what do I do?
If you have lost your pet the first place you should look is the SWEK Ranger Services Facebook page. All Dogs and Cats that have unidentified owners are advertised on the page to help find their owner. If you don’t see your pet on the page, contact the Shire to let Rangers know your pet is missing.
How many dogs and cats can I have?
Townsite properties may keep up to 2 dogs, while properties outside of a townsite may keep up to 4 dogs. Residents may have up to 3 cats on their property. If you wish to keep more than the permitted number of animals, you can apply for a permit.
For dogs, please click HERE.
For cats, please contact the Shire for further information
What is an infringement notice?
A formal notice from a government agency, such as the police or a local council, that you have allegedly committed a minor offence and must pay a fine. It's often called a "ticket" and is an alternative to being prosecuted in court. You have 28 days to either pay the fine, have the matter reviewed, or elect to have the matter heard in court.
To have an infringement reviewed you must submit a written objection that includes the infringement number, your personal details, and a detailed explanation for the appeal, along with any supporting evidence.
Who to contact for animal welfare concerns
SWEK Rangers Are Not Animal Welfare Authorities and do not have powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2002. if You’re Concerned About an Animal contact RSPCA or WA Police
How to lodge a report with Rangers
Rangers will investigate and take appropriate action, based on the evidence provided, for the following matters:
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- Dog attacks
- Nuisance dogs
- Nuisance cats
- Verge dumping
- Littering or illegal dumping of refuse
- Abandoned vehicles
- Illegal parking
- Illegal camping activities
- Firebreak compliance
- Illegal burning activities
To report an issue, please click HERE and complete the relevant form to lodge a Customer Service Request.
Alternatively, you can email: mail@swek.wa.gov.au or attend the Kununurra or Wyndham Shire office.
When do I need a fire permit?
Permits are free and are required During the Shire's restricted burning times (1 March - 14 January), a person must have a permit to burn prior to any burning being undertaken. Refer to Emergency management tab below for further information