On 5th April 2011 Council resolved to establish two off-leash dog areas at:
- the northern end of Neilson’s Park, Bargara; and
- Lion’s Park, North Bundaberg.
Since then, I have repeatedly asked for the areas to be either fenced or signposted with the boundaries clearly identified by delineating markers as many members of the community remain confused.
Unfortunately, these requests have not come to fruition and this week I lodged the following Notice of Motion requesting the full Council to issue a directive. The background information which follows provides further details.
‘That Council erect fencing, or at the very least, appropriate signage and markers to delineate the boundaries of the off-leash dog areas at Neilson’s Park and Lion’s Park.’
Background
Over a number of years I have received many inquiries from dog owners who are unaware of the location of the boundaries defining the two gazetted off-leash areas. I have repeatedly requested that this matter be addressed to provide clarity for both dog owners and other members of the public, however to no avail. This lack of information has the potential for responsible dog owners to be fined for unknowingly having their pet running free outside of the approved areas when they believed that they were in fact complying with Council’s Local Laws.
I have also received reports of incidents where dog owners and non-dog owners have become involved in arguments over the location of the boundaries and the rights and expectation of the respective parties.
I appreciate that funding for fully fenced areas may be significant and subject to budget allocations however at the very least Council should erect appropriate signage and delineation markers so that the extent of those boundaries are clear and concise for all members of the public.