What is a Local Law? Local laws are made by the Shire of Harvey under the Local Government Act 1995 and are enforceable rules to apply within the district. Local Laws help to establish and maintain the quality of life in line with the expectations of the local community and provide a standard under which businesses, residents and ratepayers must conduct their activities.
Local laws must be consistent with State and Commonwealth legislation. They help the Shire manage local issues such as public places, animals, health, cemeteries, parking, and community safety.
A Local Law Review is a statutory process under section 3.16 of the Local Government Act 1995. It allows the Shire to check whether each local law is still relevant, effective, up‑to‑date and consistent with State legislation.
A review does not change a local law. If changes are needed, a separate process under section 3.12 must occur, including public advertising and further submissions.
The review process can take several months. After submissions close, staff prepare a report and Council considers whether each local law should be retained, amended, or repealed. If amendments are required, the separate amendment process may take several additional months.
This Local Law Review feedback submissions will be open from Friday, 6 February 2026 and conclude close of business on Monday, 23 March 2026.
The Shire is required by s3.16 of the Local Government Act 1995 to review its local laws to determine whether they should remain unchanged, be amended, or be repealed. Reviews ensure that the laws remain relevant, effective, and aligned with current community expectations and legislative requirements.
- Activities in Thoroughfares and Public Places and Trading Local Law 2017
- Bush Fire Brigades Local Law 2017
- Cemeteries Local Law 2017
- Commonage Local Law 2000
- Dogs Local Law 2017
- Extractive Industries Local Law 2017
- Fencing Local Law 2017
- Health Local Laws 1997
- Local Government Property Local Law 2017
- Miscellaneous Provisions Local Law
- Parking and Parking Facilities Local Law 2017
- Pest Plants Local Law 2017
- Standing Orders Local Law 2017
- Waste Local Law 2019
You can view the current local laws in hard copy at the Shire Administration Offices in Harvey or Australind during business hours, or on the Shire’s website here, under Documents and Forms, Local Laws.
Submissions should clearly identify the local law you are commenting on and explain whether you believe it should be retained, amended, or repealed, including any reasons or examples.
Clearly state:
- The name of the local law
- Specific clauses you are referring to
Include whether you believe the local law should be:
- Kept as is
- Changed and if so, what changes
- Removed entirely
Explain why you believe this, include:
- Real-world examples
- Practical issues or experiences you have had
- Concerns about enforcement
- Clarity
- Impact on yourself, your community or your Shire’s resources
If you believe a law should be amended, describe:
- Wording changes
- Issues that require tightening or modification
- Areas where processes need to be updated
Be sure to include your name and address to ensure your feedback is eligible. Contact details help the Shire validate submissions and follow up if clarification is needed.
You can make a written submission by email, post, or in person.
Email: governance@harvey.wa.gov.au
Post: Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Harvey, 102 Uduc Road, Harvey WA 6220 or PO Box 500 Harvey WA 6220
In person: Harvey or Australind Shire Administration Offices
All submissions are recorded and assessed as part of the statutory review. They are reviewed for relevance, clarity, and practicality, and a summary of key themes and issues is included in the report prepared for Council. Council then considers this report and determines whether each local law should be retained, amended, or repealed.
If amendments or repeals are required, the Shire will begin a separate statutory process, which includes drafting changes, public advertising, inviting further community submissions, and additional Council consideration before any amendments are finalised.
For questions about the review or how to make a submission, please contact the Shire’s Governance team at governance@harvey.wa.gov.au