Community interest and COVID restrictions extend consultation period
Date published: 8 October 2021
Community consultation on proposed changes to Townsville’s animal management laws has been extended to Friday 29 October 2021.
In response to community feedback and COVID restrictions, Townsville City Council has also revised the dates of two face-to-face consultation events.
Council Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said the sessions would now be held on:
- 19 October from 5:30 - 7:30pm at Amaroo on Mandalay in Nelly Bay, and
- 20 October from 6 - 8pm at the Mayoral Reception Room at Council’s administration building at 103 Walker Street.
Council staff will be available at these events to answer residents’ questions one-on-one.
Cr Soars said Council had so far received about 180 submissions from the community on its proposed changes to animal management laws.
“Many Townsville families include pets and livestock, whether they be furry, feathered or scaly,” Cr Soars said.
“Council staff have proposed a number of amendments to the current laws which they believe strike the right balance between allowing residents to keep their pets and livestock while also ensuring they do not impact the noise, smell, pests and dust of the area.
“Since the proposed amendments were initially presented to Council’s Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee last month, there has been plenty of public discussion.
“Public consultation through Council’s Have Your Say Townsville platform began on September 23 and since then we’re received more than 6000 page views and about 180 submissions from residents and community organisations.
“Now is the time for the community to have their say and have their voices heard.
“The final version of the new animal management laws will be driven by animal welfare.”
Those interested in providing feedback on the proposed changes can do so by visiting Have Your Say Townsville.
