Petitions prompt more dog friendly off-leash guidelines
Council has unanimously adopted a new dog off leash guidelines that made hounds happy and got many tails wagging.
The revised guidelines followed a co-ordinated campaign by dog-owners for more recognition of the importance of dog recreation areas and assurance that there would be no overall reduction in off-leash areas as the human population of Port Phillip grows.
The guideline are backed up by an action plan which spells out a number of changes that will still be sent out for community engagement in coming months.
Dog owners welcome fair and equitable approach
Louisa Larkin, spokesperson for the CoPP Dog Network, told TWiSK the revised Dog Off Leash Strategic Guideline is a fair and equitable approach which caters for all users.
‘It recognises the increasing need for dog off-leash spaces as our dog population grows. We welcome the proposal for three possible fenced dog off-leash parks – Robinson Reserve in Elwood, Fennell Reserve in Port Melbourne and Howe Crescent Reserve West in South Melbourne. Also under consideration are changes to sections of beach in Elwood and Port Melbourne which would permit dogs off-leash in summer from 7.30 am -10 am.’
‘We will lose access to three specialised, premier-level sports fields. This makes sense, but it’s really important for dog owners and sports groups to continue sharing other sports fields such as Lagoon Reserve and Peanut Farm ovals, by working together for a fair outcome for all.’
Dog can now be members at St Kilda City
Sonia O’Flaherty, a CoPP Dog Steering Group member, is a regular user of the Peanut Farm oval with her Jack Russel-cross, Bob.
‘Bob is a paid-up Fur-Eva member of St Kilda Footy Club. It’s an initiative started by the new President. For his membership Bob received a bandana, a certificate and is welcome to attend home games. The Peanut Farm Oval is such a popular place for dogs, their owners and sports clubs. We demonstrate how well the space can be shared.’
Watch for changes in your area
The action plan listed several proposed changes to dog on and off-leash restrictions, including making Robinson Reserve in Elwood, Fennell Reserve in Port Melbourne and Howe Crescent Reserve West in South Melbourne fenced dog off-leash areas – the latter park, if it were to go ahead, would alleviate some of the pressure on Eastern North Reserve.
Also, under consideration are changes to sections of beach in Elwood and Port Melbourne which would permit dogs off-leash in summer from 7.30 am -10 am.
Council proposes to use an already allocated budget of $500,000 to build a new dog park and is also applying to the Victorian Government for $300,000 in grants, made available to Melbourne councils for the creation of dog-off leash spaces.
Unexpected treats
Two surprise additional resolutions proposed by Mayor Cunsolo and Cr Nyaguy included provision of dog waste bags in dog off-leash spaces, as well as broadening discount registrations for dogs that have completed behavioural training.
But not everyone was happy
Resident Sarah Philipson, who lives near Eastern Road Dog Park, told Council that her amenity was seriously disturbed by barking dogs. She submitted that a recording captured between 5,000 and 10,000 audible dog barks per week. Yikes! But alas a council report found a less intrusive result.
Details for tail wagers
