Beach off-leash to remain unchanged

Gosford Council has adopted the Draft Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy with the Umina Beach off leash exercise area to remain in its current size and location after receiving a petition with 1032 signatories.

The petition opposed the reduction in length of the off-leash area at Umina and was in support of the on-leash area.

A total of 411 written submissions and six petitions were received from individuals and organisations during the comment period.

Two submissions were received which supported the proposed changes.

Objections to the proposal were based on the commercial benefit to the caravan park, congestion due to the reduction in size, the beach having "plenty of beach available for everyone", inaccuracies of the mapping, concerns for access for mobility impaired users and impact on the flagged area at the surf lifesaving club by the on-leash section.

Support was based on children's safety, impact on wildlife, a disregard for regulation by dog owners, people walking dogs off-leash for the length of Umina Beach, the amount of faeces left on the beach, children's balls being taken by dogs and a desire to go back to the timed use of Kiddie's Corner for dog off-leash exercise.

According to a report from the council's director city services Mr Stephen Glen, consideration was given to the comments and the reasons behind the proposals.

"It was determined that timed use would create confusion.

"The matter of guests of the adjacent NRMA Holiday Park not being aware they are entering a dog off-leash exercise area can be addressed by other measures such as signage at each beach access entry point within the holiday park.

"The dog on-leash area will also impact on the patrolled section of the beach," stated Mr Glen's report.

Mr Glen said the Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy aimed to guide Gosford Council and interest groups on the management of dogs in open spaces and the provision of off-leash dog exercise areas.

The Strategy was based on research, site visits and consultations with the community including surveys, interviews in public places and meetings with interest groups undertaken from December 2011 through to April last year.

Mr Glen said the strategy confirmed that dogs were extremely important to the community and there was general community support for the provision of dog off-leash exercise areas in parks and on beaches by dog owners and by people who did not own a dog.

"There is also a desire however, for increased management of dogs in open spaces (particularly in on-leash areas and dog exclusion areas) and a desire for dog owners to pick up after their dogs and control their dogs in general," stated the report.

"The strategy provides principles, strategies and specific recommendations relating to the provision for and management of dogs in open spaces.

"A particular focus is placed on assessing the suitability of and guiding improvements to existing off-leash dog exercise areas.

"In addition, consideration is given to establishing enclosed off-leash dog exercise areas and directions are provided for dog exclusion and on leash areas, as well as public awareness and enforcement," stated the report.

At the meeting, councillors spoke to a gallery full of concerned residents dressed in red.

Cr Gabby Bowles said the issue was a "highly emotive" one.

"It is difficult to find a balance and accommodate those in the community.

"If the community using the off-leash areas educate and encourage each other to do the right thing (and Council works towards improving its signage etc.) there is no reason why it would be necessary to make changes at annual review time.

"The strategy has been decided.

"We now have a clear approach and if we all work on setting a high standard, the continued use of these great spaces can be enjoyed for years to come," said Cr Bowles.

Kaitlin Watts, 2 Apr 2013

Gosford Council Agenda CIT.13, 2 Apr 2013