Merri-bek local laws

The Local Government Act gives Victorian councils the power to create local laws within their municipality. Local Laws are designed to protect and enhance public health, safety and amenity of the municipality and its residents and visitors. Councils use local laws to respond to issues and community needs. The local laws complement the responsibilities and powers under both state and federal laws.

We have developed local legislation that provides for order and good governance in Merri-bek. These laws were developed through a proactive consultation process.

The objectives and purpose of these local laws are outlined below.

Consolidated version of the Moreland City Council General Local Law 2018

The consolidated version of the Moreland City Council General Local Law 2018 (PDF 466KB) is the version of the Local Law currently in force incorporating amendments made by the General (Amendment) Local Law 2025 (PDF 223KB) adopted by resolution of Council on 9 July 2025.  A copy of the previous version of the Local Law adopted by resolution of Council on 6 December 2017, titled 'Moreland City Council General Local Law 2018' is available below.

The purpose of the Moreland City Council General Local Law 2018 as amended by the General (Amendment) Local Law 2025 is to:

  • promote a physical and social environment that is accessible and free from hazards to health, in which residents and visitors to the municipality can enjoy a quality of life that meets the general expectations of the community
  • protect the use of public places and control activities in, on, or near them
  • provide safety in public places
  • control, protect and conserve the environment and maintain the amenity of the municipality
  • provide for, control and manage the use of premises and vehicles in particular circumstances
  • regulate the number and manner of keeping of animals
  • control, prevent and abate nuisances, and
  • provide for the peace, order and good government of the municipality.

Moreland City Council General Local Law 2018

 Moreland City Council General Local Law 2018 (PDF 816Kb)

Meeting Procedure Local Law

The objectives of the Meeting Procedure Local Law 2018 (DOC 366Kb) is to:

  • provide the procedures governing the conduct of meetings
  • provide for the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor
  • set the rules of behaviour for those participating in, or present at, meetings
  • provide for the appointment of councillor office holders and assignments as members of committees established by the council or as council representatives to external committees and organisations, and
  • provide for the use of Council’s Common Seal.