We are committed to making it easy for everyone to participate in our engagements. If you have specific requirements or any questions please contact the Community Engagement Team on 9298 8000 or email HaveYourSay@knox.vic.gov.au.

Language and translations

You can have this page translated into our top 10 language groups.

Click the language drop-down in the top right corner of this page. It will have a picture of a world globe next to it 🌍.

If you do not speak one of these languages, contact Council through TIS on 131450.

If you would like a translator at a pop-up, please notify the project team as early as possible.

Sight and hearing resources

A text document of this page content is available upon request if your screen reader is not compatible with this webpage.

If you have any other questions, concerns or requests to ensure this engagement is accessible for you, contact us at haveyoursay@knox.vic.gov.au or call 9298 8000.

Pop-up sessions

The locations of the pop-up sessions are physically accessible. Some are in busy locations so may be noisy and have a lot of people moving around. If you need a quiet space or one to one conversation please contact the project team directly.

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Help shape a safer, better Knox

The Knox Local Law sets out everyday rules that help keep our neighbourhoods safe, protect our amenity and environment, and support a clean and welcoming city for everyone.

We’re currently reviewing the Local Law to better align with current legislation, meet community needs and balance public interests with individual freedoms.

As part of the review, we’ve identified several areas where we think improvements could help create a safer, healthier and more enjoyable physical and social environment — one that reflects the expectations of our community.

The Local Law mainly relates to Council-managed land, buildings and roads, but it also sets expectations regarding the appearance of private property and the responsible management of animals across Knox.

Through this community engagement, we’re proposing improvements to several key areas and want to hear your ideas, concerns and suggestions. Your feedback will help shape a new Local Law that better supports the needs of our community.

Share your feedback from Monday 9 February to midnight Monday 9 March.

Proposed areas for improvement

As part of the review, Council has identified the following as potential areas for improvement:

  • Private land and neighbourhood amenity

    • More effectively address unsightly land, incomplete building works, overgrowth, litter and graffiti.
    • Enable residents in Bushfire Management Overlay areas to burn off without a permit to reduce fuel loads provided safety conditions are met.
    • Ensure outdoor lighting doesn’t become a nuisance for neighbours.

  • Animal management

    • Apply animal number limits to all properties for consistency.
    • Stronger rules to ensure animals are securely housed and properties have secure fencing.
    • Stronger measures to protect the community from dog attacks. For example, requiring dog owners to remain at the scene of an attack and provide their details, and Animal Management Agreements for dogs involved in a dog attack or shown to have aggressive or uncontrolled behaviour.

  • Council-managed land and roads

    • Clearer rules to reduce unsafe activities and behaviour in Council buildings and on Council land.
    • Strengthen management of election signage to keep public spaces safe and tidy.

  • Council assets, trees and regulating building site

    • Strengthen regulations around building sites to keep roads and drains clean and clear.
    • Revise construction times to reduce noise nuisance for consistency with the Environment Protection Act 2017.

How to have your say

There are a number of ways you can have your say or find out more:

  • Chat with us at a community pop-up

    Wednesday 18 February 2026, 11am–1pm

    Knox Library-Ngarrgoo, Westfield Knox, Wantirna South

    Saturday 28 February 2026, 10am–4pm

    Knox Fest, Wally Tew Reserve, Ferntree Gully

    Thursday 5 March 2026, 5pm-7pm

    Knox Civic Centre (Function Room 2), 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South

  • Email us

    Email your feedback to

    locallawreview@knox.vic.gov.au

  • Phone us

    Prefer to speak with someone?

    Call us 9298 8000

  • Write to us

    Community Laws Team - Local Law Review

    Knox City Council

    Reply Paid 70243

    Wantirna South 3152

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - active

    Phase 1: Community engagement period

    Monday 9 February - midnight Monday 9 March 2026

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    Review of community feedback

    March - May 2026

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Phase 2: Community engagement period

    Monday 18 May - Sunday 14 June 2026

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Review of community feedback

    June - August 2026

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    Council endorsement

    Monday 24 August 2026

Community Engagement Summary

To determine whether to adopt a new Local Law that better aligns with current legislation, meets community needs and balances public interests with individual freedoms.

A Community Impact Statement, Gender Impact Assessment, and Human Rights Assessment will be prepared to ensure the new Local Law aligns with contemporary standards and priorities.

The new Local Law must be certified by an external Australian solicitor before it can be adopted.

  • Residents
  • Property owners
  • Environmental / community groups
  • Businesses / traders
  • Heritage interest groups
  • Registered pet owners
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
  • People with a disability

For this project we will be engaging our community at the level of Consult on the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum. This means we will listen to what you say and consider it when we make a decision.

  • How any proposed changes are considered
  • Any additional changes you would like to be considered.
  • Look and format of the Local Law
  • Wording clarity, consistency and document order
  • Requirements set by legislation
  • Parameters set by Council’s strategies, plans or policies
  • Application and enforcement, including penalties
  • Adoption timeline (by August 2026).

Contact us

Find out more about this engagement.

Contact Information
Name Community Laws Team
Phone 03 9298 8000
Email LocalLawReview@knox.vic.gov.au