RUSSELL Island resident Patricia Harris has hailed Redland City Council’s proposed animal-law overhaul as a long-awaited win for families wanting to live more sustainably.
Ms Harris, who has championed changes to allow miniature goats on suitable residential properties, said the draft rules could help residents reduce their reliance on pesticides, machinery and supermarket eggs.
“It’s great news for residents in Redlands Council,” she said.
“Miniature goats keep weeds and grasses down naturally without using pesticides and machines.
“Allowing chickens on smaller blocks is a win for families, reducing the cost of buying eggs, and they all make fantastic pets.
“It’s a big win – and residents in the Redlands Council area were due for one.”
Council last week voted 9-1 to put the proposed Local Law changes out for 28 days of public consultation.
The package includes provisions for miniature goats, backyard hens, European honeybees and dog-access areas, including a proposed additional off-leash area at Redland Bay.
Under the draft rules, eligible larger lots could accommodate up to two miniature goats, while up to six hens – but no roosters – could be permitted on blocks from 400sqm.
New provisions are also proposed for honeybees, while Council is considering making the dog beach at the end of Bay St, Redland Bay, an off-leash area.
Cr Shane Rendalls, who moved the motion, said the proposed changes had come after community calls for more practical and sustainable options.
“It turns out the talk about the birds and the bees is a lot easier when you include a couple of miniature goats,” he said.
“It’s a huge win for sustainability, self-sufficiency and our local community.
“We’ve listened to our residents who want to lead more sustainable lives, and we’ve put forward commonsense rules that protect both the community’s lifestyle and animal welfare.”
Cr Rendalls said the changes were not compulsory and would not give residents an unrestricted right to keep animals without regard for neighbours.
The draft rules include requirements to manage noise, odour and animal welfare, with the consultation process to determine whether the proposed limits have the right balance.
But the plan has also drawn concerns about allowing six chickens on smaller suburban lots.
Cr Jason Colley was the only councillor to vote against beginning consultation, warning that reducing the minimum lot size from 500sqm to 400sqm could affect thousands of homes across the Redlands.
He said residents had raised concerns about noise, odour and vermin as newer housing blocks became smaller, and homes were built closer together.
“I do not believe we should be signalling to the community that the place for keeping chickens is on 400 square metre blocks,” Cr Colley said.
Residents will have 28 days to have their say once the consultation opens.
