FAQs

Shopping trolleys are the responsibility of the business they belong to and must not be abandoned on a road or in a municipal place. To report an abandoned trolley, please click the below links or call the below numbers depending on which company the trolley belongs to:

Kmart:  1800 876 553

Target:  1800 163 900

Coles Trolley Collect:  1800 876 553

https://www.coles.com.au/help/abandoned-trolley

Woolworths:  1800 641 497 (Trolley Tracker)

https://trolleytracker.com.au/

Unless otherwise authorised by Council and/or at premises licensed under theLiquor Control Reform Act 1998, a person must not consume any alcohol or have in their possession any alcohol in an unsealed container at any time on a road, car-park, in a motor vehicle (parked on a road or in a public car-park) or on Council land affected by such prescription, unless otherwise permitted under an Act.

A permit may be required to keep Animals/Domestic Birds and Poultry depending on the type of animal, size of land and number of animals. See Pets & Animals here.

A person in charge of a dog in a public place must carry the means to collect faeces deposited by the animal and also remove and hygienically dispose of the faeces deposited by the animal.

Any person in charge of a dog must ensure the dog is secured by a chain, cord or leash except, in an area prescribed by Council as an 'off leash area' where the person must keep the dog under effective control at all times.

A permit must be obtained from Council to busk in public. Apply here.

A person must not camp on road, road related area or Council land except in an area prescribed as an area for the purpose of camping.

E-bike riders must follow the same road rules that apply to regular bicycles. That means always wearing a helmet, not using a mobile phone while riding and using lights in low light. 

Like regular bicycles, e-bikes don't need to be registered provided they meet requirements outlined on the Transport Victoria website here.

E-scooters that comply with specifications outlined in the Victorian road rules are now legal to use across Victoria. All riders must follow the rules to keep everyone safe, including always wearing a helmet and never riding on footpaths or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines or even the loss of your driver's licence. 

See the Transport Victoria website here for more details.

Without a permit, fireworks displays or ignition of fireworks on a municipal place or public place is prohibited.

A permit must be applied for at least 14 days before the proposed fireworks display. Apply for a permit here.

Motorised mobility devices should only be used if you have difficulty walking. Device designs and sizes cater for individual needs and where you want to use the device.

Rules exist around who can use these devices and where. Full details can be found on the Transport Victoria website here and a comprehensive guide from VicRoads here.

Unless approved under an Act or otherwise prescribed by Council - a person must not light a fire in the open air in either the urban area or on Council land, unless - the fire is for the purpose of meal preparation or personal comfort and accords with the conditions in section 38A(1)(a) of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958;

Smoke and ash from open-air burning is becoming less acceptable due to health and amenity concerns and alternatives to burning are encouraged, such as mulching and re-use of wood.

Horsham Rural City Council is reminding all heavy vehicle operators and transport businesses of the restrictions on parking heavy vehicles in built-up areas within the municipality.

These restrictions are designed to protect local amenity, ensure road safety, and maintain the quality of life for residents and visitors in township areas. They are enforceable under both Victorian road laws and Council’s own local laws.

Parking Restrictions

Under the Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017 – Rule 200(2):

A driver of a heavy vehicle (gross vehicle mass of more than 4.5 tonnes) or a long vehicle must not stop on a length of road in a built-up area for longer than one hour.

Additionally, under Horsham Rural City Council Community Local Law 2021 – Section 53 (Safety and Amenity), a person must not cause, allow, or suffer a local nuisance that adversely affects the amenity of an area.

Local nuisance may include:

• Light, noise, vibration, odour, smoke, fumes, dust, or other particles
• Any interference that unreasonably affects the enjoyment of an area by others

These rules are critical in preventing ongoing disruption to residential areas and ensuring our roadways remain safe and accessible.

Enforcement and Penalties

The one-hour parking limit is enforceable throughout Victoria by both Victoria Police and Council Authorised Officers. Offences may result in the issue of an infringement notice.

Reporting Non-Compliance

Members of the public who observe heavy vehicles parked for extended periods in built-up areas are encouraged to report the matter to Council.

To assist with investigations, please provide:

• A clear photograph showing the vehicle, including registration number and any business branding
• The location, date, and time of the observation

Reports can be made by:

• Phone: (03) 5382 9777
• Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au

Except in an area prescribed as an area for the purpose, a person must not on road, road related area or Council land cause, allow or suffer a recreational vehicle to be used.

A recreational vehicle is described as a wheeled or tracked device ordinarily used for recreation or play and propelled by a motor that is not an auxiliary motor.

Without a permit, a person must not collect wood from a road reserve. To obtain a roadside wood collection permit and make payment, please either: 

• Apply online via our Greenlight portal here.
• Drop into our offices at 18 Roberts Ave, Horsham VIC 3400.
• Download an application form here(PDF, 48KB).

Note: Wood cannot be collected from any road within town boundaries or any Vic Roads managed roads. See our 'Who's road is this' map here.

You are also able to collect firewood for free from a designated collection area within  State Forests. This does not require a permit, however collection is only permitted within the designated area and time period, collection rules and limits apply. For more information, please contact the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action or visit https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region.

A permit must be obtained to conduct these events on council land, council may even be able to help promote your event.

See Permit applications here or Planning for an event here.

For the safety of everyone, skateboards, roller blades/roller skates & scooters (human-powered) must not be used in the Horsham Central Business District.

If you're using one of the above devices on the road outside the CBD there are still a number of rules you must follow. Full details can be found at the Transport Victoria website here.

Without a permit a person must not display, sell or offer for sale, any vehicle or goods including raffle tickets, on a road or municipal place.

Apply for a permit here.