New West Arnhem Regional Council (Jabiru Town) By-Laws 2024
West Arnhem Regional Council is pleased to announce that the new by-laws for Jabiru will come into effect on January 1, 2025, replacing the six existing by-laws for the Jabiru Town.
The West Arnhem Regional Council (Jabiru Town) By-Laws 2024 were approved at a Special Council Meeting on December 6, 2024, and subsequently received the Minister’s approval on December 17, 2024.
The new by-laws ensure the ongoing maintenance and regulation of the Jabiru Township.
Transition to the new By-Laws
This transition marks the conclusion of a three-and-a-half-year journey following the cessation of the Jabiru Town Development Authority. The prior Jabiru Town Development By-Laws, which were set to expire on January 1, 2025, have been transitioned into the new framework. The drafting process began in May 2021 with numerous revisions and community consultations before finalising the new by-laws.
Council encourages all residents to familiarise themselves with the new regulations and appreciates the community’s input and cooperation to ensure a smooth transition.
Key Updates in the By-Laws
One notable change in the new by-laws is the use of Penalty Units for fines, rather than specifying dollar amounts. Currently, 1 Penalty Unit equals $185, although this amount is subject to annual adjustments based on inflation as determined by the Northern Territory Government. Updated rates can be checked here.
Some penalties related to dog and animal management have increased, specifically:
-
Keeping prohibited animals (such as cats and chickens); and
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Penalties for dog attacks.
Table of animal penalties (changes are underlined):
By-Law |
|
Max.
|
Old
|
New
|
Penalty in $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44(3) | Keeping a prohibited animal | 50 | 2 | 10 | 1850 |
| 47 | Abandons or sets at large an animal | 50 | 2 | 2 | 370 |
| 50(1) | Keep unregistered dog longer than 3 months | 50 | 2 | 2 | 370 |
| 51(2) | Failure to comply with conditions of registration | 50 | 1 | 10 | 1850 |
| 52(3) | Failure to notify change of address | 10 | 1 | 1 | 185 |
| 53(1) | Keeps more than 2 dogs | 20 | 1 | 1 | 185 |
| 54(4) | Failure to keep dog out of restricted area | 50 | 2 | 2 | 370 |
| 56(3) | Dog attack | 100 | 9 | 20 | 3700 |
| 63 | Failure to comply with conditions of dangerous dog | 100 | 9 | 9 | 1665 |
| 64(2) | Entices or incites a dog to attack or menace | 50 | 2 | 2 | 370 |
| 65(8) | Dog causes a nuisance | 50 | 2 | 10 | 1850 |
| 67(3) | Fails to collect dog from pound | 50 | 2 | 2 | 370 |
| 69(7) | Fails to comply with by-laws relating to diseased dogs | 50 | 3 | 3 | 555 |
For additional details or inquiries, please contact the Council.