01/09/2023
Long, no apologies. Read the lot, the end is important.
If you don’t agree with anything in the revised draft Dogs in Open Spaces Action Plan make sure you have your say (in a respectful way) between now and October 1st. Link provided below. You can either fill out the form Council has created (which does not include all changes), alternatively, send an e-mail, link also provided.
Dogs will be allowed on off leash beaches without time restrictions for now (more about that in a future post). The current areas of concern are listed in the links below. If you use Terrigal Haven to exercise your dogs you need to have your say, likewise Pippi Point at Davistown, Fagan Park in West Gosford OLA etc.
Over the last couple of years various complaints to Council re; dog or dog handler behaviour have been ramping up and we have noticed the topic of dogs is becoming more polorising than ever, so don’t leave it to others to speak up. Please, have your say. Council is listening.
Note: **Please hear us out:** We have never liked the term ‘dog haters’. Most complaints received by Council are valid with many made by other dog owners. Many members of Council involved in the DIOSAP also own dogs and use off leash areas. But the tide is turning. We have seen a noticable increase of the number of key board warriors out to upset the balance to the point of egging people on to think that poisoning dogs where dogs shouldn’t be is more than okay. Whether they are cowards hiding behind screens who have jumped on the bandwagon or whether they actually are dog haters is not the point. The point is that this kind of thing is real, it is happening and if seen or witnessed needs to be reported both to Council and Police (insist on a reference number for follow up purposes). It goes without saying that if you actually encounter/suspect poison bait, take a photo in situ, report to Council and Police (insist on reference number), mark the spot you found it in, collect it if safe to do so (maybe even in several doggy bags, one inside the other etc) so that no animal can be harmed, then *take it to a vet for confirmation that it is poison bait*. Proof is absolutely key. Proof and follow up.
Keep yourselves, your dogs and other animals safe. Enjoy the time you spend with your dogs and other animals 🙂
🐾🐶 📝 We’re inviting you to have your say on the revised draft Dogs in Open Space Action Plan – whether you own a dog, or simply enjoy using our open spaces. 🌿
Based on your valuable feedback from the first round of consultation, as well as further technical studies and community workshops, we have simplified and refined the draft Plan to address key issues of concerns. This includes the removal of the proposal for seasonal or timed beach access. 🏖️🚫
One of the key objectives of the revised draft Plan is to improve off leash infrastructure and increase the amenity at off leash areas (OLAs), while balancing safety, environmental, social and operational factors. We’re also proposing an increase of seven OLAs, taking the number of OLAs across the Central Coast from 61 to 68. 🌊🐾
For more information, including proposed changes, and to have your say – visit https://hubs.la/Q020Mb4R0
Feedback accepted until Sunday 1 October 2023.
🙏💙 We understand that many are passionate about this topic, however we do kindly ask that you remain respectful in your submissions and discussions about this.
