Evaluating Unattended Property Laws

Overview

What’s this about?

The Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 and accompanying regulation were developed following extensive consultation with councils, community, advocacy bodies, share scheme operators, and authorities during the review of the former Impounding Act 1993. The laws place the responsibility on property owners for removing items such as bikes, trolleys, vehicles, and animals left in public spaces.

The Office of Local Government (OLG) is evaluating the effectiveness of the laws and their implementation since their commencement in 2022 to ensure public spaces remain safe and enjoyable.

Feedback received will be considered by OLG to inform the identification of short-term or longer-term improvements or additions to tools, activities or regulation needed to improve operation of the unattended property laws.

Councils, members of the public, shared device scheme operators, retailers and public land management authorities are encouraged to make a submission by completing the survey below.

Have your say

Have your say by Friday 13 June 2025.

Submissions may be made to the Office of Local Government. Complete the survey on the OLG website to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the Unattended Property laws. Alternatively, any further comments can be shared with OLG via email at unattendedproperty@olg.nsw.gov.au