NEW local laws to restrict homeowners from adding gates to public parks and foreshore areas to their fences are being considered by Kingston Council.
A swathe of new local laws for Kingston residents are under consideration. They include requiring a permit to store boats, trailers, and caravans on public roads, and banning new gates from private homes into public parks and foreshore areas.
Council is also proposing new powers to fence or screen vacant properties, and replace protected trees that are removed. Requirements for advertising signs, including candidate election signage, are also set to be introduced.
The proposed changes to gates on private properties has sparked some backlash from residents. The mayor Georgina Oxley told social media last week that “one issue we’ve heard a lot about is a proposal to stop new gates being added to properties backing onto the beach or parks.”
“This idea was suggested to help protect our fragile foreshore and local environment. To clarify, it would only apply to new gates, not existing ones,” she said. “We want to ensure Kingston remains a liveable, safe, and healthy place to live, while protecting public spaces, infrastructure, and the environment. It’s important that our new local law reflects the priorities of our community.”
Consultation on the new local laws closed on 1 July, and will come back to council for consideration soon. To read the proposed changes visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/local-law.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc News – 9 July 2025