Following the council’s controversial decision to ban remote controlled cars on public spaces, the City of Mandurah has spoken in defense of the decision.
According to the City the law was created not only to protect people in public spaces from safety hazards, noise and nuisances, but also to protect parks and reserves from potential damage.
“These hazards and nuisances can sometimes arise given the popularity of many local reserves and also their environmental values,” they said.
“This local law simply provides a mechanism for the City to take action at times where a breach is occurring.”
Although the regulations prohibit residents from playing with remote controlled cars, planes and ships in parks and reserves without having a permit, the City said it was unlikely that small toys could result in a breach of the law.
“Rangers will not be actively seeking or targeting these activities and are prepared in the field to provide on the spot permits where the uses are not creating any concerns for the community which will often be the case,” they said.
However, they said people looking to engage in any of the prohibited activities could obtain a free permit from the City to “alleviate concerns”.
They said the City was following an “education before enforcement” approach, investigating remote controlled vehicles only when a complaint had been made.
And, although a $5000 fine is the maximum penalty imposed by court, the City said it would be extremely unlikely that any resident would be fined with that amount.
“The penalty that can be imposed by the City of Mandurah as an infringement is $300 for a breach, which would only be issued in extreme cases,” they said.
“The City manages more than 500 parks and reserves, and this law is part of the way the City works to ensure public places are kept safe and enjoyable for all.”
The new laws created a wave of comments on social media with residents labeling the council as “fun police” and condemning the decision.
