Enquiries
Total enquiries received: 827
Completion rate: 86.16%
Of the 824 enquiries received during the reporting period, 86.16% have been completed. This reflects timely and effective handling of customer enquiries by officers.
Highest Enquiries Received
Animal Registration / Compliance Matters
This category recorded the highest number of enquiries, with 114 matters raised. These enquiries generally related to concerns about unregistered animals or households exceeding the number of animals permitted.
Total Animal Registrations
During the reporting period, a total of 15373 animals were registered with Council, demonstrating strong community compliance with local animal management requirements. Of these registrations, 12,527 related to dogs and 2,846 to cats.
Of the dog registrations, 136 were identified as Working Dogs or Guide/Assistance Dogs. These registrations require a formal assessment and approval process in accordance with legislative requirements.
Outstanding Animal Registrations
While the vast majority of pet owners continue to meet their registration responsibilities, there remains a portion of animals whose registrations have not yet been renewed for the current period. From the previous registration cycle, 146 dogs and 427 cats are currently overdue for renewal.
Illegal Campers
Council continues to monitor and respond to illegal camping activities across the region. Illegal camping includes overnight stays in restricted areas such as parks, reserves, car parks, foreshores, and other non-designated locations.
During the reporting period, a total of 28 complaints were received, with officers undertaking 27 proactive patrol observations. Enforcement action resulted in 5 warnings issued and 2 infringements or compliance actions undertaken.
Council officers undertake regular proactive patrols across known hotspots, with increased surveillance during weekends and peak travel periods when illegal camping activity is more prevalent. These patrols focus on early identification and engagement, enabling officers to educate visitors on designated camping areas, reinforce compliance requirements, and respond promptly to emerging issues. The combination of routine weekday monitoring and targeted weekend patrols has strengthened Council’s ability to proactively manage illegal camping and minimise impacts on public spaces and the broader community.
Reported Dog Attacks
Natural Justice Matters
Council takes a balanced and fair approach when responding to reports of dog attacks or aggressive behaviour. We do not rush to label dogs as dangerous or owners as negligent. Every matter is assessed on its merits, following clear and transparent processes.
That means:
- Investigations are evidence-based and impartial.
- Owners are given the opportunity to respond and provide their side.
- Decisions are made transparently, with the right to review or appeal.
Q4 Apr - Jun Highlights:
- 68 reports of dog attacks or aggressive behaviour
- 54 reports completed
- 14 open ongoing investigations
- There are currently 25 declared regulated dogs in the Gladstone region.
Many reports cannot progress due to insufficient evidence, highlighting the importance of community education, early intervention, and responsible pet management.
Where it happens:
Highest incident rates are in densely populated areas, also home to the most registered and unregistered dogs.
These areas are proactively patrolled by officers to prevent escalation and promote responsible ownership.
Learn more about dangerous and prohibited animals here.
Total Parking Fines
Parking Enforcement
Under Queensland legislation, warnings cannot be issued for regulated parking offences. Enforcement action is required to ensure consistency and fairness across the community.
During the quarter, 68 infringement notices were issued. Of these infringements issued the majority related to illegal parking within school zones.
School Zone Patrols
Parking and traffic management around schools remain an ongoing challenge across the Gladstone region. Peak-time congestion, unsafe pick-up and drop-off behaviours, and limited parking capacity continue to be observed at several locations, including:
- Gladstone West State School
- Gladstone Central State School
- Kin Kora State School
- Tannum Sands State School
To support safer school environments, Council delivers a range of proactive education and compliance initiatives aimed at improving driver behaviour and reducing risk in school zones, including:
- Distribution of school zone road rules information flyers to parents and carers; and
- Foot patrols conducted by authorised officers during peak pick-up and drop-off periods, providing verbal advice and directing drivers to move on where unsafe or illegal parking is observed.
Learn more about road safety in school zones here.
Obstructions on Footpaths
During this reporting period, Council continued to monitor and respond to instances of footpath obstructions to ensure safe and accessible pedestrian movement. Obstructions included illegal parking of vehicles, storing of boats and building materials.
Total complaints received: 57
Total Completed: 43
Compliance Action taken: 2
Still under investigation: 12
Abandoned Vehicles
During the reporting period, Council received:
- Total abandoned vehicle reports: 73
- Average reports per month: 24
Of the total reports received:
- Total Completed: 63
- Vehicles removed by Council: 15
- Currently under investigation: 10
The data highlights ongoing community concerns regarding abandoned vehicles across the region. These matters often require assessment, investigation, and, where applicable, coordination with relevant agencies to ensure compliance and public safety. Abandoned vehicle reports continue to place a demand on operational resources, particularly in managing response times and follow‑up actions.