Public Notice - ABANDONED VEHICLES

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Published
23rd May 2023

Torres Shire Council (Council) Local Laws allow Council to enforce laws about:

  • vehicles that have been abandoned on Council controlled areas or roads, in accordance with Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2013;
  • vehicles that have been left on Council controlled areas or roads without approval, in accordance with Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2013;
  • vehicles left within private property in circumstances where the vehicle may cause the property to be unsightly, or give rise to a community safety hazard, in accordance with Local Law No. 3 (Community and Environmental Management) 2013.

In these circumstances, Council has powers to:

  • seize and impound vehicles abandoned on Council controlled areas or roads;
  • issue a Compliance Notice, and seize and impound the vehicle if the Compliance Notice is not satisfied; or
  • issue infringement notices of $375.00

Council is concerned that vehicles left in these circumstances may give rise to community health risks, including from mosquito borne diseases.


Council invites the community to ensure that all vehicles are removed from Council controlled areas or roads, and any vehicles kept within private property are kept in a way that is not unsightly or unsafe.

On and from Monday 22 May 2023, Council intends to carry out compliance action, including by seizing and impounding any vehicles left on Council controlled areas or roads.

An impounding fee of $525.00 is payable before any impounded item is released. Proof of ownership (including registration) will be required. If impounded items are not collected, and the fee paid, within 1 month, Council may sell or dispose of the item in accordance with its Local Law.

Dalassa Yorkston
Chief Executive Officer
TORRES SHIRE COUNCIL