Statistics

Enquiries 

Total enquiries received: 938

Completion Rate: 89.55% to date 

Total Animal Registrations

During this period, a total of 13,711 animals were registered with Council, reflecting strong community compliance with local animal management requirements. Of these registrations, 11,183 were dogs and 2,528 were cats.

Within the dog registrations, 139 were recognised as Working Dogs or Guide/assistance dogs, which require a formal assessment and approval process.

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, 1,185 dogs and 661 cats are currently overdue for renewal.

Highest Enquiries - Dogs

Animal Registration / Compliance Matters

This category recorded the highest number of enquiries, with 150 matters raised. These enquiries generally related to concerns about unregistered animals or households exceeding the number of animals permitted.

Illegal Dumping Reported 

Permits/Approvals 

Permits are required before entering Lilley’s Beach, and must be carried in the vehicle at all times for inspection by an authorised officer.

During this quarter, a total of 524 permits were issued. Of these, 314 were weekly permits and 210 were annual permits, reflecting continued community use of this popular recreational area.

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.

Q2 Oct - Dec Highlights:

• 80 reports of dog attacks or aggressive behaviour
• 66 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.

Dogs wearing this collar are declared dogs and properties housing them must display this sign. The public is advised to use caution around these dogs and when entering these properties. 

Total Parking Fines

Under Queensland legislation, warnings cannot be issued for regulated parking offences. These matters require direct enforcement to ensure fairness and consistency across the community.

During the quarter, 78 infringement notices were issued. The most common offence was stopping on a road marked with a yellow line.

Our Parking Officer conducts:

• Patrols of regulated parking areas
• Patrols of school zones
• Issuing of Parking Permits

Overgrown/Unsightly Lands CSRs Received 

Council received 100 complaints about overgrown or unsightly properties during Q2 (20 in October, 41 in November and 39 in December). The increase in late‑year reports was largely due to significant rainfall.

Council’s focus is always on working with property owners to achieve voluntary compliance. Most matters are resolved early, with 81 of the 100 complaints finalised through first‑point resolution or cooperation from the owner.

Common drivers include unmanaged large land parcels held for future development and seasonal vegetation growth following major weather events. Enforcement is only used when all reasonable options have been exhausted.

Enquiries

Total enquiries received: 1236

Completion rate: 78.55%

Of the 1236 enquiries received during the reporting period, 78.55% have been completed. This reflects timely and effective handling of customer enquiries by officers.

Highest Enquiries Received 

Overgrown / Unsightly Private Property Complaints

This category recorded the highest number of enquiries, with a total of 239 matters raised. Of these, 178 were resolved at the first point of contact. The increase in enquiries is attributed to the significantly higher levels of rainfall experienced during this quarter.

Total Animal Registrations

During the reporting period, a total of 14,671 animals were registered with Council, demonstrating strong community compliance with local animal management requirements. Of these registrations, 11,946 related to dogs and 2,725 to cats.

Of the dog registrations, 134 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, 411 dogs and 580 cats are currently overdue for renewal.

Animal inspection program

The Animal Inspection Program (AIP) continues to play a key role in improving compliance through proactive inspections, enforcement activity, and customer engagement.

A total of 684 properties were attended as part of the AIP during the reporting period.

Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)

• Total PINs issued: 265

New Registrations Identified

• 113 new registrations were identified, contributing to improved compliance across the region.

Customer Service Requests (CSRs)

• Total CSRs received: 230
• Open CSRs: 135
• Completed CSRs: 95

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.

Q3 Jan - Mar Highlights:

• 75 reports of dog attacks or aggressive behaviour
• 60 reports completed
• 15 open ongoing investigations
• There are currently 20 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.

 Dangerous/Prohibited Animals 

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, 137 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.

Advertising Devices/Signs

Within the Gladstone Regional Council area, advertising devices (signs visible from a road or public place) are regulated under Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2011 and Subordinate Local Law No. 1.4 (Installation of Advertising Devices).

Illegal or Non-compliant Signs

9 illegal roadside signs were removed during the quarter, improving road safety and reducing visual clutter.

Approved Licences

Council currently has 7 approved licences for variable message advertising devices.

Common Compliance Issues Identified

• Signs placed too close to the roadway
• Signs located on roundabouts or traffic islands
• Signs installed without approval
• Signs positioned in locations that obstruct driver visibility
• Corflute signs advertising a specific business require permits.
• Excessive number of corflute signs for events

Safety Outcomes

The removal of non-compliant signs from high-risk locations has improved sightlines for both motorists and pedestrians, contributing to safer road conditions across the region.

Abandoned Vehicles 

During the reporting period, Council received:

• Total abandoned vehicle reports: 86
• Average reports per month: 28

Of the total reports received:

• No further action required: 43
  (e.g. vehicle moved prior to inspection or deemed not abandoned)
• Compliance achieved after notice issued: 28
• Vehicles removed by Council: 18
• Currently under investigation: 6

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.