Local communities are concerned about safety and amenity issues caused by property left unattended on public footpaths, roads and in parks and reserves.

On 1 November 2022, following consultation with key stakeholders, the NSW Government commenced the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 (PSUP Act).

The new laws create stronger incentives for owners and others to be responsible for their property left in public – such as stock animals, vehicles, shopping trolleys, bikes and kayaks.

The new laws give councils and other authorities strong powers to make people pick up their belongings from public within a reasonable timeframe, or potentially be fined and  have to collect their property from a place of temporary storage or care.

Owners who do not attend to their property left in public within a reasonable timeframe will face fines and penalties.

The new laws will help to keep our public spaces safer and more accessible.

For further information on the new laws please refer to the below documents and read our Frequently asked questions.