Camel drivers by-laws on the out

Councillors are expected to repeal Mullewa’s 1915 Camel Registration and Licensing of Camel Drivers by-law when they meet in Geraldton next week. City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said camels were clearly a problem for the council at the time. “Of course, after that they relocated to the suburb of Mahomets, after which the owners of the said camels are now named,” he said. Mr Van Styn said councillors were also reviewing Geraldton and Greenough by-laws about decency in public bathing. “I thoroughly endorse the current modern-day swimming attire displayed by all fine folk at the beach but we will be reviewing what is appropriate,” he said. “Some of the standards and some of the local laws dating back to the turn of the last century related to the inability of females in particular to show knees or ... ankles.” The City of Greater Geraldton is reviewing more than 70 local laws it inherited from the former Mullewa and Greenough Shires, the Town of Geraldton, and the City of Geraldton-Greenough. They include Geraldton’s 1973 Prohibition of Vehicles and Cattle on Reserves, and 1966 Vehicle Wrecking by laws. “Most are no longer required, with their provisions dealt with in more recent versions of a local law, Act or Regulation,” City governance co-ordinator Margot Adam wrote in a report to the council. “Others can be included in more current local laws, or require amendment due to changing circumstances and/or the passage of time.” Council is expected to repeal the obsolete local laws on Tuesday.