Media Releases

Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government

Sunday, 15 December 2019

The NSW Government today announced a comprehensive review of laws enabling local councils to remove safety hazards caused by abandoned items in public places.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the review of the Impounding Act 1993 will ensure communities are protected from hazards such as rogue shopping trolleys, boat trailers, share bikes and e-scooters.

“Having listened to the concerns of councils and residents across the State, I have commissioned this review to find practical solutions to common problems faced in our communities, in particular abandoned shopping trolleys,” Mrs Hancock said.

The review will focus on how to better manage long-term issues caused by abandoned shopping trolleys and boat trailers, as well as address challenges created by new technologies such as e-scooters.

“While we have amended the Act to address specific issues caused by share bikes and boat trailers, the review will future-proof communities from emerging technologies and reflect our ever-changing use of public spaces,” Mrs Hancock said.

“The world is changing and so too must our legislation. We want the Act to be fit for the 21st century to address the needs of councils, public land managers and residents across the State.

“The review also presents a real opportunity to consider whether there is a better way to hold individuals and businesses to account who are responsible for items being dumped.”

The Office of Local Government has prepared a discussion paper which provides an opportunity for people to have their say on the Act.

For more information visit the OLG website. Submissions close on 20 March 2020.

MEDIA: Nicholas Story | Minister Hancock | 0438 255 020