Draft Dogs in Open Space Strategy

DRAFT DOGS IN OPEN SPACE STRATEGY

OF COUNTRY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country.

Dhumaan ngayin ngarrakalu kirraanan barayidin. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters.

Ngarrakalumba yuludaka bibayilin barayida baaduka.

Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.

Lake Macquarie City Council dhumaan Awabakala ngarrakal yalawaa, yalawan, yalawanan.

Wording by the Aboriginal Reference Group and translated by Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre.

Lake Macquarie City Council

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

We know that it’s not just our residents who love open spaces to play in but also our four-legged friends. As our city continues to grow, and many people opt for smaller living spaces, it becomes more challenging to find suitable open space for dogs to exercise. That’s why we are committed to expanding the number of off-leash dog parks in our city.

There are more than 92,000 registered dogs in our city and we want them to have every opportunity to be happy and healthy while staying safe. We’ve also got to balance those needs with what the wider community expects and desires.

Demand for more dedicated spaces for our city’s dogs is strong. Council currently provides 30 dog facilities across Lake Mac, from fenced, formalised dog parks to shared off-leash areas on a number of beaches, as well as suburban and lake foreshore reserves. Dogs

can run, exercise and socialise leash-free with other dogs and dog park visitors.

As outlined in this strategy, we also have plans for an additional 10 off-leash areas so that every family in the city has an off-leash park within short driving or walking distance. It’s important we provide the framework for future planning and management of dog off-leash areas, including prioritising infrastructure and clearly outlining where dogs are allowed off-leash and where they are prohibited.

When you’re out and about with your dog, please be a responsible owner by cleaning up after them as you go and keeping them under your control at all times. Together we can all be paw-fect dog owners.

Councillor Kay Fraser Mayor

STRATEGY OVERVIEW

1.1 Why a Dogs in Open Space Strategy?

With 92,336 registered dogs in 2021, Lake Macquarie has one of the highest dog ownership rates in NSW. The increase in dog ownership, together with urban intensification, smaller property sizes and the resulting loss of the traditional large backyard, has reduced residents’ ability to adequately cater to dog’s needs.

Subsequently, the demand for public open spaces to provide areas for dogs to exercise and socialise is growing exponentially.

The health and wellbeing benefits associated with owning a dog are increasingly being recognised. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ownership levels increased nationally.1 There is a greater community expectation for dog-friendly facilities and spaces in addition to shared access to parks, beaches and bushland areas for dog owners.

The aim of the Dogs in Open Space Strategy is to provide a strategic approach to the provision of dog-friendly spaces that balances the broader needs for safe and accessible open space for all Lake Macquarie residents and visitors.

1.2 What does the strategy Cover?

What is open space?

Community land owned by Council or Crown Land managed by Council.

What is a an off-leash area?

Open space areas that have been designated by Council for dogs to be exercised off-leash. These can be located in parks, beaches, sportsgrounds and other open spaces. They can be fenced for the exclusive use by dogs and their owners, or they can be a shared open space that is also used for other activities.

Council currently has 30 off-leash areas throughout the city.

What is an on-leash area?

Open space areas where dogs are permitted on-leash only. Dogs are permitted on-leash in all Council open spaces, unless an area has been declared dog prohibited.

What is a dog prohibited area?

Open space areas where dogs are not permitted on or off-leash. These include areas prescribed under the Companion Animals Act 1988 and those declared by Council to be a dog prohibited area.

The Dogs in

Background Report

Includes community and dog profile, literature review, values and trends, existing provision benchmarking and best practice

1

All open space managed by Council

The strategy does not cover:

National Parks and Wildlife land

Crown Land not managed by Council

Any other open space not managed by Council

a number of volumes or supporting

Community Engagement Report

Findings of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 community and stakeholder consultation

the

Analysis Report

Identifies a provision framework, assesses supply, demand and site suitability, and provides direction for education and regulation

era, 2021

Dog off-leash areas, on-leash areas and prohibited areas within open space managed by Council

Where does the Dogs

The Lake Macquarie City

Framework

Plan,

The framework includes a suite of integrated

plans that set out a vision, goals, directions and actions to achieve them. It involves a

structure to communicate progress to Council and the community, as well as a structured timeline for review to ensure the goals and actions are still relevant. The Dogs in Open Space Strategy would sit within ‘Other Council Strategies and Plans’.

Community Strategic Plan 2022-2032

The Lake Macquarie Community Strategic Plan 2022-2032 was developed in consultation with the community and sets out the city’s vision and community values. The vision and values reflect the priorities of our residents and shape policies and plans prepared by Council, including this strategy. The Dogs in Open Space Strategy aligns with the objectives of three of the seven key focus areas of the Community Strategic Plan.

Local Strategic Planning Statement

The Local Strategic Planning Statement outlines how we will achieve our city vision and uphold our community values through strategic planning. The Dogs in Open Space Strategy aligns with the principles of two of the seven planning priority areas, as shown below.

PLANNING PRIORITY

PLANNING PRIORITY

play

social and engaging

that support a variety of uses

within and close to centres, and that are

to sporting,

and

Dogs in Public Open Space Policy

The Dogs in Open Space Strategy has been developed with reference to Council’s Dogs in Public Open Space Policy. This policy provides objectives for dogs in open space and a number of broad policy statements to achieve these objectives. The objectives are:

• provide dog owners with access to public open space to exercise their dogs off leash

• provide a framework to determine the suitability and provision of open space for dog exercise areas, both fenced and unfenced

• acknowledge the importance of dogs as companion animals and the social and physical benefits for both dog and dog owners in providing dog exercise areas

• ensure the safety of the public and dogs in open space

• ensure public recreation and environmental values of open space are retained

NSW Companion Animals Act 1998

The NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 provides for the effective and responsible care and management of companion animals. Under the Act, dogs are required to be under effective control of a competent person 16 years or older and have no more than four dogs in their control.

Dogs are prohibited in the following public places whether they are on-leash or not or otherwise controlled, with the exception of a police dog, assistance animal or corrective services dog:

• children’s play areas that are within 10 metres of any playing apparatus

• within 10 metres of any food preparation or food consumption spaces not including public pathways

• school grounds except with permission of the principal

• childcare centres except with permission of the person in control of the centre.

Under the Act, councils also have the authority to prohibit dogs from other public spaces including:

• recreation spaces including sportsfields where organised games are played

• public bathing spaces including beaches

• shopping complexes

• wildlife protection areas.

Term Meaning

Off-leash area

Open space where dogs are permitted to be exercised off-leash. These can include dog parks, beach dog off-leash areas and shared dog off-leash areas.

Shared off-leash area

Open space where dogs are permitted off-leash within a designated area where other activities may occur. These can include unfenced/partially fenced areas that may have timed/unrestricted access and are shared with other open space uses.

Beach off-leash area

Dog park

On-leash area

Dog prohibited

Plan of Management (PoM)

Sections of beaches where dogs are permitted off-leash. These spaces are shared with other beach users.

Exclusive fenced spaces designed just for dogs and their owners with a range of support facilities and complete separation from other park activities.

Open space where dogs are permitted on-leash only.

Open space where dogs are not permitted on or off-leash.

A statutory requirement for community land. PoMs are developed with the community and act as an agreement as to how a place is to be managed and its values protected. They are required for all community land categories of park, sportsground, natural area, general community use and area of cultural significance.

Natural area

Endangered Ecology Communities (EEC)

A category of land within a PoM covering community land areas including foreshore, watercourses, bushland, wetlands and escarpments.

EEC are threatened ecological communities of flora and fauna that are endangered due to:

• facing a very high risk of extinction in Australia in the near future, as determined in accordance with criteria prescribed by the regulations

• are not eligible to be listed as a critically endangered ecological community.

Park hierarchy

The park hierarchy is identified in Council’s Parks and Play Strategy 2021 and identifies three levels of parks including local, district and regional/major destination.

Local Government Area (LGA)

Planning catchments

Local Government Area of Lake Macquarie

Planning catchments are combined suburbs of the LGA that are included in a Development Contributions Plan. There are five planning catchments in the LGA consisting of Belmont (including North Wallarah), Charlestown, Glendale (including Northlakes), Toronto and Morisset (including North Cooranbong VPA).

OUR CITY

As of 2021, there are an estimated 208,813 residents living in Lake Macquarie, and an estimated 92,336 registered dogs.

By 2036, the population of Lake Macquarie is expected to be 232,543 and the registered dog population is estimated to be 103,253.

2021 208,813 2036 232,543

Population increase 98.6% growth

The largest growth is expected in age cohorts above 80 years, with the 90-94 years cohort expected to experience an increase of 1697 persons between 2021 and 2036.

growth This is followed by 3031 persons for the 85-89 year cohort.

The largest population growth is estimated to be in the planning catchments. This suggests there will be a higher intensity of new demand for dog off-leash areas. 50-59 is the largest age group cohort in Lake Macquarie.

Glendale and Morisset

Lake Macquarie has significantly less 25-39 year olds than NSW.

The Lake Macquarie population is ageing, with significantly more people aged 60-79 than NSW.

12.2% children aged 0-9

11.92% teenagers and adolescents aged 10-19

92,336 2036 103,523 30 Dog off-leash areas in the city

increase of 11,187

Glendale catchment has highest dog population

of Glendale catchment dog off-leash areas are on sportsgrounds

Morisset has the highest proportion of dogs to people at 51.4%

Charlestown catchment has the highest number of dog off-leash areas 30,190 estimated highest dog population in Glendale Catchment in 2036

Morisset and Glendale will have the highest number increase in dog population

Charlestown and Belmont will have the lowest number increase in dog population

3. EVIDENCE FOR ACTION

3.1 Trends in dog ownership

Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. According to a national survey, about 40 per cent of Australian households included at least one dog in 2019, a figure that has remained largely unchanged since 2016 (38 per cent). During this period, there has been a noticeable shift towards single-dog households (led by a skew towards smaller dwelling types and inner-city areas) with 75 per cent of those with a dog now only having one (up from 69 per cent of all dog owning households in 2016).

The pandemic has had a noticeable impact on dog ownership with research indicating a seven per cent increase from 2019 to 2021. Companionship was identified as by far the most common reason for acquiring a dog (42 per cent). Those most likely to have acquired a dog since the onset of the pandemic were inner-city dwellers (28 per cent, compared to 17 per cent other areas) and households with primary school-aged children.

Pet relations are also changing, with dogs more and more considered to be part of the family. It is likely that the dog-as-family-member will continue to drive demand for access to a range of desirable public spaces.

3.3 The importance of open space for dogs

With increased urban density, the traditional big backyard is becoming increasingly rare and subsequently the demand for open space to provide appropriate spaces for people to exercise and socialise their dogs is growing.

There are a range of benefits with dogs exercising in open space including:

Physical and mental health for dogs

Improves destructive behaviour and excessive barking

Socialisation of dogs

Happier and healthier dogs are less likely to be aggressive

Physical and mental health of owners

Increased physical activity also improves mental health

3.2 The value of dog

ownership?

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that pets can help improve a person’s mental and physical health, reduce the effects of stress, facilitate social interaction between people and build a sense of community. Studies reveal a wealth of physical and psychological advantages to pet ownership including improved cardiovascular health, physical fitness, immune system development and longer lifespan.

A national survey from 2019 highlighted the positive impact of pet ownership on both physical and mental health including meeting neighbours and other dog owners while out walking, and a common point of conversation with like-minded people.

Community connection of owners

Areas where like-minded people can socialise and feel included

Opportunity for education

Sharing of information on animal health, welfare and dog etiquette

3.4 Trends impacting dogs

in open space

Dog owners are a substantial group of park users. A national survey in 2019 found that 74 per cent of dogs are taken on walks in their local neighbourhoods. While a proportion of these are just walked in local streets, 52 per cent are taken to ‘parks and other public places.’

The NSW Companion Animal Act 1998 requires local councils to provide at least one dog off-leash area. However, with rising dog ownership levels and dogs increasingly being viewed as legitimate users of public open space, councils need to strategically plan and invest in infrastructure that support dog-friendly spaces.

There has been a growing impetus to create more fenced off-leash areas (dog parks). This has been used as a method to manage incompatible uses of open space. While fenced dog parks can assist in addressing some conflicts, it can also create a perception that dogs are no longer required to be under effective control once within a dog park. Regardless, if a dog is in a shared open space or in a fenced dog park, they are still required to be under effective control by their owner/carer.

A number of dog owners believe that fenced dog parks encourage participation of more untrained dogs and that these spaces can also become dominated by larger dog breeds. Some owners of small dogs do not feel safe taking their dogs to dog parks due to rougher play and speeds of larger breeds that can knock over smaller dogs. This has led to an increased request for segregated dog parks that separate larger or more active dogs from smaller or more passive dogs.

City of Newcastle created the first segregated dog park in the Hunter in 2019. This 8400m2 dog park in North Lambton provides a large breed/active area of 6500m2 and a small breed/passive area of 1900m2. In addition, the surrounding unfenced area is also offleash, providing an additional 20000m2.

Dog parks are an important type of off-leash area among the overall suite provided by a council. Due to the exclusive nature of dog parks, (i.e. excluding other users), their use needs to be carefully considered in relation to other users of the overall open space that they may be a part of.

DOGS IN OPEN SPACE IN LAKE MAC

5. WHAT YOU TOLD US

Two

of

in

the strategy. Both dog owner/carers and nondog owners were targeted in both phases of the consultation.

The supporting Engagement Report provides the full details on the feedback received during both phases of consultation.

Phase

Focused

collecting information on how, when

why people used existing off-leash areas, including what worked well, didn’t work well, and suggestions for improvements. Opportunity was provided to identify potential new off-leash areas and identify areas people may believe where dogs are not appropriate in.

Phase

Sought feedback on proposed future off-leash areas and included changes to existing locations, relocation of sites, and potential new off-leash sites.

6. OUR VISION AND OBJECTIVES

6.1 Objectives

i. Balance the needs for dogs in open space with the needs of the broader community

Acknowledge dogs are important companion animals and access to open space has positive physical and mental health and wellbeing for dogs and owners. Recognise this needs to be balanced with the open space needs for a range of other activities and pursuits.

ii. Provide a diversity of opportunities for dogs in open space

Provide access to a range of opportunities and environments in open space for dogs on-leash and off. Recognise that dog owners desire different experiences and will travel beyond locally provided facilities to meet their preferences.

iii. Provide off-leash areas that are fit for purpose

Establish a framework to guide the provision and development of off-leash areas and assess their suitability.

iv. Plan for off-leash areas for existing and future populations

Assess supply and demand of off-leash areas for current and future populations. Identify gaps and new opportunities to fulfil these gaps, where suitable land is available.

v. Ensure environmental and cultural values of open space are retained

Recognise some open space is more susceptible to negative impacts by dogs off-leash and/or on-leash, on the basis of their high environmental or cultural values. Consider environmental and cultural values in the identification of future off-leash sites and dog prohibition areas.

vi. Improve education and regulation for dogs in open space

Identify a range of opportunities to better inform the community on the permissibility of dogs in open space. Improve dog owner’s self-regulation through awareness of responsibilities.

Lake Macquarie residents will have access to a diversity of open space for dogs, fostering both dogs and owners physical and mental health, socialisation and community connection, while protecting our natural and cultural environment and balancing the needs of other open space users.

7. DOGS IN OPEN SPACE FRAMEWORK

The Dogs in Open Space Framework will guide the current and future provision of dog off-leash areas and dog prohibited areas across the city, while also acknowledging the opportunity for dogs to be exercised on-leash in the majority of open spaces.

The framework for dog off-leash areas aims for equitable distribution of opportunity across the city, with consideration to density of dog populations and the availability of appropriate land. The hierarchy for dogs in open space below, further classifies off-leash areas into three types, recognising the variety of experiences and environments.

Shared off-leash

Open space where dogs are permitted off-leash within a designated area where other activities may occur. Often more readily available than beach off-leash areas or dog parks.

Beach off-leash

Sections of beaches where dogs are permitted off-leash.

Dog park

Exclusive fenced off-leash spaces designed just for dogs and their owners with a range of support facilities.

Dog Prohibited

Dog on-leash

Open space areas where dogs are permitted on-leash only. All open space areas that are not dog prohibited can be used for dogs on leash.

Open space areas where dogs are not permitted on or off-leash. Identified by legislation and consideration of high environmental or cultural sensitivities or where separation from other activities is required.

7.2 Beach off-leash

1 for every 5500

(includes beach off leash and dog parks)

Larger than two hectares where possible

Not within 400m of patrolled beach area

May provide:

Bubbler or tap Pathways Signage

Off-street parking

Rubbish bin

Connection or potential to connect to pathways to encourage walking to site

Free of hazards and constraints

7.3 Dog park

Good passive surveillance and, where possible road frontage

Consideration of other strategic plans for beach

Seating if adjacent grass area available

1 for every 5,500

(includes beach off leash and dog parks)

Not within natural areas12

Connection or potential to connect to pathways to encourage walking to site

Minimum 0.5ha, prefer a hectare

Up to seven provided with one in each planning catchment

May provide:

Bubbler or tap

Pathways

Natural/built shade

Signage

Free of hazards and constraints

Good passive surveillance and, where possible road frontage

Not within natural areas12

Fenced boundary and accessible gate/s

Off-street parking including accessible bays

Rubbish bin

Seating and tables

Trees and landscaping

Consideration of other strategic plans for park/reserve

Public toilets if colocated with other recreation facilities

7.4 Dog prohibited areas

Dog prohibited areas are identified through the Companion Animals Act 1998 or by Lake Macquarie City Council.

The Act prohibits dogs in the following relevant open space areas:

• within 10 metres of children’s play areas (playing apparatus)

• within 10 metres of any food preparation or food consumption spaces (not including public pathways).

Under the Act, Council has the authority to prohibit dogs from other public spaces. These are identified in Section 1.3 of this strategy.

Areas of high environmental and culturally sensitive are particularly susceptible to negative impacts by dogs. Certain sites may, subject to future assessment, be considered as dog prohibited areas on account of their high environmental or cultural values. These values include, but are not limited to:

• Council-owned biodiversity offset sites

• threatened ecological communities and threatened species habitat

• shorebird nesting and roosting sites

• sites adjacent to National Park and Wildlife Estates

• sites gazetted as wildlife refuges

• Aboriginal or European culturally significant sites.

Dog prohibited areas determined by Council in addition to the Companion Animals Act

Green Point Foreshore Reserve is a designated dog prohibited area (as per the Green Point Foreshore Reserve Plan of Management). In addition, the following sites have been assessed as dog prohibited for the purposes of their high environmental and/or cultural values or requirement within the dogs in open space framework:

• Pirrita Island, Swansea (as per Development Consent Condition 27 for the boardwalk project)

• biodiversity offset sites at Jewells, Valentine, Awaba and Ryhope

• within 400m of a patrolled beach area.

8. EDUCATION AND REGULATION

Education and regulation are important components to the success of any dog off-leash area. Clear information is required for users of open space to ensure that they understand the difference between off-leash areas, on-leash areas and dog prohibited areas, and the responsibilities for exercising dogs in open spaces. The regulation of dogs in open space relies on the clarity and understanding of this information. Dog owners need to understand that not everyone wants to encounter dogs when they visit a park or beach.

8.1 Education

Community education and awareness is paramount to the management of dogs in open spaces.

Opportunities to enhance awareness for dog owners of their responsibilities in Council-managed open spaces should be facilitated in a variety of ways. This strategy recommends that a community education and awareness program be developed with key messages and information relating to:

• owner responsibilities for having dogs in open space

• opportunities to exercise dogs in open space

• location and boundaries of dog off-leash locations

• location and boundaries of dog prohibited areas. The methods and frequency of communicating this information to the community will be integral to the success of the program.

8.2 Signage

Signage is an onsite tool that is essential for all users of open space to understand the rules and regulations applied to that area. Signage specific for dogs in open space is required to provide localised for dog owners and other users to understand where dogs can be off-leash, on-leash or prohibited from and what their responsibilities are.

A traffic light colour coded system is recommended to be developed and used in line with Council’s sign guidelines to provide consistent messaging on the permissibility of dogs in a specific location. The colour coding is:

Green Dogs permitted off-leash

Orange Dogs permitted on-leash only

Red Dogs prohibited

Unless an area is identified as off-leash or dog prohibited, the area is on leash only. It is not the intention to provide traffic light signs at all open spaces to identify on-leash areas. The system will primarily be used where there are transitions from either dog prohibited or off-leash areas.

The strategy recommends three types of signage to be used in Council open space areas:

• site location signs at major entry points to an offleash area that include an aerial photo and use the traffic light colour coding

• individual traffic light colour coded signs to define transitions and boundaries between off-leash, on-leash and dog prohibited zones

• regulation signage that identifies specific regulations for dogs in open space, owner responsibilities and possible infringement fines.

8.4 Regulation8.3 Owners responsibilities

Dog owners assume responsibility for their dogs when exercising them in open space areas.

These include:

• ensuring dogs are registered and wearing a dog collar with a tag identifying the name of the dog and contact number for the owners

• picking up and correctly disposing of all dog waste in an appropriate bin

• ensuring a 16 years or over is present and responsible for the dog in the open space area and that one person does not have more than four dogs in their care and control within open space areas

• restricting breeds or dogs declared as dangerous from open space areas

• not entering dog prohibited areas including within 10m of playgrounds, skate parks, patrolled beach areas, Green Point Foreshore Reserve or other areas signposted as dog prohibited

• keeping their dog on lead when not in dog off-leash areas

• keeping their dogs under effective control when in an off-leash area

• understanding that owners can be held liable if their dog attacks another person or animal.

The regulation of dogs in Council-managed open space requires a combination of self-management and when required, enforcement by Council Rangers. Off-leash and on-leash areas are provided on the understanding that owners are responsible for their dogs and their actions. These have been identified in Section 7.3 of this strategy.

Community education and self-management, is considered the primary tool for regulating dogs in open space. This includes dog owners knowing their responsibilities and other users understanding the open space areas dogs are permitted to be in. Signage is a good support tool for on-the-ground knowledge of a specific site.

The final tool for regulation is education and enforcement through Council Rangers. Rangers have the authority to issue fines, should breaches with dogs in open space occur. As Rangers have a vast breadth of responsibility within a Council area, and are a finite resource, it is unrealistic to shoulder the majority of responsibility of dogs in open space to them.

Rangers, being at the frontline with the community, have an important role in educating, building relationships, as well as enforcing rules and regulations. On-the-ground community education is particularly important when there are changes to dog off-leash, on-leash or prohibited areas.

OUR PLAN

Our plan for dogs in open space is based upon achieving the six objectives identified in Section 6.

Catchment plans are provided in Section 10 and deliver a summary of the analysis for each planning catchment and key recommendations for changes to existing and provision of future dog off leash areas.

The Action Plan provided in Section 11 identifies individual actions to achieve each of the six objectives. These actions are drawn from recommendations within the Dogs in Open Space Framework, education and regulation, and catchment plan sections of the strategy.

Below is a summary of the proposed future off-leash area provision across Lake Macquarie.

40 Off-leash areas, including

7 dog parks

4 beach off-leash areas

29 shared off-leash areas

5814 People per off-leash Area (2036 forecasted people population)

2588 Dogs per off-leash area (2036 forecasted dog population)

12 Dog off-leash areas with access to water for swimming

9 Dog off-leash areas on sportsgrounds

12 Dog off-leash areas with time restrictions

10. OUR CATCHMENT PLANS

Catchment plans have been developed for each of the five planning catchments in the city. These catchment plans have focused on the supply and demand analysis for the provision of dog off-leash areas to meet existing and forecasted future populations. Recommendations are identified to address gaps in supply and identify any other work required to ensure dog off-leash areas are fit for purpose.

City Council

Current

off-leash areas

off-leash

Beach off-leash

People population 2036 65,219 2021 63,366

Dog population 2036 26,637

25,985

Current supply

ANALYSIS

• Provision gap in Charlestown (west), Kahibah/Highfields and Dudley

• All suburbs within a 10-minute drive of an off-leash area

• Provides beach and lake access

• Proximity of Charlestown, Molly O’Connor Park and Bahloo Reserve off-leash areas to high-traffic roads

• Limited support infrastructure at some off-leash areas

• Three time restricted off-leash areas (sportsgrounds)

• Proximity of dogs to the patrolled area at Redhead Beach

• Overlap of off-leash areas with playgrounds and barbecue areas to Thomas H Halton Park and Bahloo Reserve

Current Off-leash area

7 Shared off-leash

1 Beach off-leash

Dog park

Proposed supply

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

Provide new off-leash areas:

• Hillsborough Reserve Changes to existing off-leash areas:

• Replace on-leash area with dog prohibited at Redhead Beach

• Reduce off-leash area at Thomas H Halton Park to address proximity to playground, barbecue and sports court area

• Reduce off-leash area at Bahloo Reserve to address proximity to playground and skate park

• Investigate a shared off-leash area to be converted to a dog park

• Change time restrictions for off-leash areas on sportsgrounds at Lenaghan Park, Goundry Street Oval and Bahloo Reserve

Functionality improvements:

• Assess the need for a barrier to adjacent roads at Molly O’Connor Park, Charlestown and Bahloo Reserve

• Provide support infrastructure in off-leash areas in accordance with recommended provision standards

GLENDALE

People population 2036 69,180 2021 61,685

Dog population 2036 30,190 2021 26,919

Current supply

ANALYSIS

• Undersupplied for existing and future populations

• Provision gap in Edgeworth, Cameron Park, Warners Bay, Macquarie Hills, Argenton, Glendale, Cardiff Heights, New Lambton Heights and Garden Suburbs.

• All suburbs within a 10-minute drive of an off-leash area

• Three time restricted off-leash areas (sportsgrounds)

• Planned dog park to be provided in Cameron Park

Current Off-leash area

3 Shared off-leash

0 Beach off-leash

Dog park

Proposed supply

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

Provide new off-leash areas:

• Turnbull Street, Edgeworth

• Kindyerra Park, Argenton

• Dog park at Pasterfield Reserve, Cameron Park

Changes to existing off-leash areas:

• Reduce off-leash at Gregory Park to address proximity to playground and car park areas

• Change time restrictions for off-leash areas on sportsgrounds at Cardiff Park No.3, Gregory Park and Taylor Park

Functionality improvements:

• Assess the need for a barrier to adjacent roads at Kindyerra Park and Turnbull Street, Edgeworth

• Provide support infrastructure in off-leash areas in accordance with recommended provision standards

People population 2036 35,414

32,186

Dog population 2036

15,765

Current supply

•

•

•

gaps in Toronto West, Awaba and Wangi Wangi

suburbs within a 10-minute drive of an off-leash area

overall supply and provides lake access

• Proximity of Rathmines Park, Buttaba Foreshore, Bolton Point and Toronto Lions Park to hightraffic roads

•

infrastructure at some off-leash areas

•

dog park to be provided at an existing site

Proposed supply

Off-leash area

off-leash

Beach off-leash

Dog park

RECOMMENDATIONS

Provide new off-leash areas:

• Myuna Bay Foreshore Changes to existing off-leash areas:

• Reduce off-leash at Toronto Lions Park and Bolton Point to address proximity to playground/skate park

• Reduce off-leash at Hampton Street Reserve to allow for future park, playground and recreation facilities

• Investigate an existing shared off-leash area to be converted to a dog park

Functionality improvements:

• Assess the need for a barrier to adjacent roads at Rathmines Park, Buttaba Foreshore, Bolton Point and Toronto Lions Park

• Provide support infrastructure in off-leash areas in accordance with recommended provision standards

2036 35,350

Current supply

supply

Off-leash

off-leash

off-leash

Cooranbong

off-leash area at Bernie Goodwin Memorial

off-leash area

Oval

Pendlebury Park

sportsground at Douglas Street Oval, Gibson Oval and Wyee Oval

11. ACTION PLAN

Actions

Actions have been identified under each of the overarching Dogs in Open Space Strategy objectives. These are the key actions that will guide further work to be undertaken in implementing the Dogs in Open Space Strategy. The implementation of the strategy will require additional work to address specific issues, including more detailed planning and assessment at the local level to determine the best response to identified issues. In some cases, actions will be dependent on collaboration and partnerships with others.

Specific funding has been identified in Council’s Development Catchment Contributions Plans and Voluntary Planning Agreement for the following projects:

• Pinny Beach new dog park

• North Cooranbong new dog park

• Cameron Park new dog park

• Toronto catchment conversion of existing off-leash area to a dog park

Funding to implement the other components of the strategy will be sought via recurring funding allocations, special project requests and external grant programs.

The implementation of this strategy will be considered within the context of Council’s overall priorities during the preparation of the forward works program and annual Operational Plan.

Timeframe

Actions have been assigned a priority rating based on:

High: Critical to strategy implementation. Should be commenced within the first three years.

Medium: Important in responding to a future need. May require prerequisite work to be undertaken. Should be commenced within four to seven years.

Low: An identified future need that will improve provision for dogs in open space. Should be commenced in eight to 10 years.

Ongoing: Recurring actions that support implementation and continue throughout the life of the strategy.

Responsibility

The strategy provides Lake Macquarie City Council with recommended actions and priorities. While a ‘lead’ within Council is identified in bold, there will often be a number of sections involved in implementation. Some actions require external partnerships with community groups or government agencies.

Monitoring and evaluation

A statement that identifies how the action will be monitored and evaluated as being achieved.

ACTION TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILITY MONITORING/EVALUATION

1. Balance the needs of

1.1 Implement the increased dog prohibited area at Redhead Beach to provide more space for beach users that may not want to interact with dogs

1.2 In conjunction with Action 6.6, implement the boundary changes at Thomas H Halton Park to comply with the requirements of the Companion Animals Act 1998 to be 10m away from playgrounds and barbecues and to remove bushland

1.3 Extend beach off-leash area at Hams Beach to the north and remove dunes

1.4 Implement boundary adjustments to the following dog off-leash areas to comply with the requirements of the Companion Animals Act 1998 for dogs to be 10m away from playgrounds and barbecue areas:

• Toronto Lions Park

• Dobinson Reserve, Blacksmiths

• Bahloo Reserve, Windale

• Gregory Park, West Wallsend

• Bay Road, Bolton Point

1.5 Implement boundary adjustments to Hampton Street Reserve shared dog off-leash area to allow for identified park, playground and recreation facilities to be developed as part of a future master plan

1.6 Relocate Bernie Goodwin Memorial Reserve dog off-leash area to Gibson Oval to comply with the requirements of the Companion Animals Act 1998 to be 10m away from playgrounds and barbecue areas, and reduce the impact of use on the sportsground

the needs of the broader community

High Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

On-leash area removed and replaced with dog prohibited. Signage installed to clearly delineate change

High Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Medium

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Boundary adjustments implemented and new signage installed identifying adjusted off-leash area

Boundary adjustments implemented and new signage installed identifying adjusted off-leash area

Medium

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Boundary adjustments implemented and new signage installed identifying adjusted off-leash area

2.2

Glendale

Charlestown

Medium

High

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Boundary adjustment implemented and new signage installed identifying adjusted off-leash area

Relocation implemented, off-leash signage removed from Bernie Goodwin and new signage identifying boundary of off-leash area installed at Gibson Oval

Council provides opportunities for shared and beach off-leash areas

At least one dog park is provided in each planning catchment

2.3 Trial a segregated dog park that provides separate areas for small/ passive/elderly dogs to large/active dogs. One location from existing or proposed off-leash area to be identified

Subject to the outcomes of the trial an additional site may be considered

Medium

3. Provide off-leash areas that are fit for purpose

3.1 Establish support infrastructure in existing and new off-leash areas in accordance with the recommended provision standards

3.2 Ensure off-leash areas are maintained so their use can be maximised

3.3 Assess the functionality of existing off-leash areas located in proximity to high-traffic roads at the following sites:

• Molly O’Connor Park, Redhead

• Charlestown Netball Courts

• Rathmines Park, Rathmines

• Foreshore Park, Buttaba

• Bahloo Reserve, Windale

• Bay Road, Bolton Point

• Dobinson Reserve, Blacksmiths

• Goundry Street Oval, Gateshead

• Toronto Lions Park

Prioritise and implement recommendations that may include vegetation planting and/ or partial fencing.

3.4

investigate the interaction of dogs with 4WDs and trail bikes at

Mile Beach, Blacksmiths, and implement any recommendations.

4. Plan for off-leash areas for

4.1 Establish new shared off-leash areas to address gaps in supply at:

• Myuna Bay Foreshore

• Nords Wharf Oval

4.2 Establish new shared off-leash areas to address gaps in supply at Kindyerra Park, Argenton, including any required barriers to adjacent high-traffic road

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Site identified for segregated trial and implemented for 12 months. Review of trial is completed with recommendations for future operation implemented

Medium Ongoing Asset Management City Works

Requirements for support infrastructure is assessed and prioritised across all off-leash areas and implemented as funding availability permits

Ongoing Asset Management City Works

Off leash areas are included in the city presentation maintenance schedule

Medium Asset Management City Works

Assessments completed and recommendations prioritised and implemented as funding availability permits

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Belmont Wetlands State Park Crown Lands

and future populations

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Investigation is complete and recommendations have been implemented

New off-leash area is operational and new regulation and boundary signage installed

New off-leash area is operational and new regulation and boundary signage installed

RESPONSIBILITY

4.3 Establish a new shared off-leash area (time restrictions of sunrise to 10am weekdays and weekends and 4.30pm to sunset excluding public holidays) at Sunshine Park as a 12-month trial. Implement recommendations from the trial.

4.4 Establish a new shared off-leash area at Turnbull Street, Edgeworth, as a 12-month trial. Implement recommendations from the trial.

4.5 Undertake further investigations to determine the feasibility of a new off-leash area at Pasterfield Reserve, Cameron Park, including facility type. Implement recommendations from investigation.

4.6 Undertake further investigations to determine the feasibility of a new off leash area at Hillsborough Reserve including facility type. Implement recommendations from investigations.

4.7 Establish the north end of Catherine Hill Bay Beach as a dog off-leash area in line with the implementation of the Catherine Hill Bay Precincts Master Plan including road access and parking

4.8 Implement new planned dog parks at Pinny Beach and North Cooranbong in line with residential development as per approved planning documents

4.9 Align with Council’s Dogs in Public Open Space Policy that stipulated new off-leash areas are not to be located on sportsgrounds

4.10 Change the current time restrictions for off-leash areas on sportsgrounds to leash-free when not in use for organised sport or training:

• Lenaghan Park, Belmont North

• Goundry Street Oval, Gateshead

• Bahloo Reserve, Windale

• Cardiff Park No.3

• Gregory Park, West Wallsend

• Taylor Park, Barnsley

• Douglas Street, Dora Creek

• Gibson Street Oval, Morisset

• Wyee Oval

Medium

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

New off-leash area is operational and new regulation and boundary signage installed that identifies time restrictions.

Review of trial is completed with recommendations for future operation implemented.

High Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

New off-leash area is operational and new regulation and boundary signage installed.

Review of trial is completed with recommendations for future operation implemented

Medium Asset Management

Investigation is complete and recommendations have been implemented

Council

Low Asset Management

Investigation is complete and recommendations have been implemented

Medium

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Medium

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

New off-leash area is operational and new regulation and boundary signage installed

New off-leash area is operational and new regulation and boundary signage installed

Ongoing Asset Management

No new off-leash areas are located on sportsgrounds

Medium

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Time restriction changes are implemented and new signage installed identifying these

5. Ensure environmental and cultural values of open space are retained

5.1 Manage dogs to protect the natural environment and culturally significant sites through the allocation of reserves as dog prohibited. Sites will be determined through ongoing natural and cultural area management decisions.

5.2 Implement boundary adjustments to the following existing off-leash areas to remove natural areas:

• Bahloo Reserve, Windale

• Hams Beach

• Corner Bay Road and Quigley Street, Bolton Point

• Hampton Street Reserve, Carey Bay

• Pendlebury Park, Bonnells Bay

• Wyee Oval

5.3 Implement the dog prohibition of Pirrita Island on the basis of its Aboriginal cultural significance and environmental values including shorebird nesting and roosting site and saltmarsh (refer to Appendix 2)

5.4 Implement the dog prohibition of four Council-owned biodiversity offset sites located at Valentine, Jewells, Ryhope and Awaba (refer to Appendix 2)

Ongoing

Environmental Systems Integrated Planning Asset Management

Areas assessed as having environmental cultural values that would be unsuitable for dogs are approved by Council as dog prohibited

Medium

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Boundary adjustment implemented and new signage installed identifying adjusted off-leash area

High Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Medium Asset Management Asset Management

6. Improve education and regulation for dogs in open space

6.1 Develop and promote a community education and awareness program that provides the community with key messages and information relating to:

• owner responsibilities for having dogs in open space

• opportunities to exercise dogs in open space

• location and boundaries of dog off-leash locations

• location and boundaries of dog prohibited areas.

Implement the program as new or amended off-leash areas are brought on-line.

6.2 Design a suite of signage for dogs in open space to better define off-leash, on-leash and dog prohibited areas and regulation where appropriate.

High Ongoing

High

Asset Management

Communications and Corporate Strategy Environmental Regulation and Compliance

New signage installed identifying dog prohibition area

New signage installed at each location identifying dog prohibition area

Community education and awareness program developed and implemented

Asset Management

Communications and Corporate Strategy City Projects

Environmental Regulation and Compliance

A suite of signage is designed in accordance with Council’s signage guidelines.

ACTION TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILITY

6.3 Review existing signage for dogs in open space and develop a prioritised program for replacement and/or additional signage where required.

The signage should be appropriately positioned in open space and be simple, easy to read and clearly define boundaries

6.4 Establish partnerships for educating the community on the permissibility of dogs in open space and owners responsibilities with Council-run microchipping days, veterinaries, dog trainers and other relevant interest groups

6.5 For new and amended dog off-leash areas, adopt an initial inform and educate approach to the enforcement of dogs in open space. After a fourweek establishment period, a stronger enforcement approach should be adopted that may include fines.

6.6 In conjunction with Action 1.2, implement signage and other suitable measures to facilitate the safe interaction between dogs and users of the shared pathway at Thomas H Halton Park shared off-leash area including:

• signage and tactile surfacing on the shared pathway cautioning cyclists about dogs off leash

• signage cautioning dog owners about the shared pathway and the requirements for dogs to be under effective control

• inform and educate dog owners and cyclists of their shared responsibilities as part of the fourweek establishment period.

Ongoing

Asset Management City Works Environmental Regulation and Compliance

MONITORING/EVALUATION

Review complete and new signs approved and progressively implemented as funding availability permits

Ongoing

Asset Management Communications and Corporate Strategy Environmental Regulation and Compliance

Partners identified and materials for education distributed

Ongoing

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance Communications and Corporate Strategy

Inform and educate program undertaken for first four weeks of an established new or amended off-leash area, followed by enforcement actions after this period

High

Asset Management Environmental Regulation and Compliance Communications and Corporate Strategy

Signage and tactile improvements (or alternative) to and along shared pathway are implemented.

Inform and educate program undertaken for first four weeks once amended off-leash area is established.

12. IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW

The implementation of the Dogs in Open Space Strategy will be undertaken on a priority basis over a 10-year timeframe within available resource allocations. A review of implementation will be undertaken annually with progress measured by the percentage of actions commenced or completed.

Financial resourcing will be a critical factor and will guide how quickly some actions are completed and the ability to investigate and address issues. Resourcing the Strategy includes, but is not limited to, general revenue, developer contributions and grants.

Ongoing partnerships and collaboration with a range of internal and external stakeholders will be essential to ensuring implementation of the strategy.

Beach Off Leash Areas

Beach Off Leash Areas

Beach Off Leash Areas

Beach off-leash areas

Beach

Blacksmiths

Blacksmiths

Blacksmiths

Blacksmiths

Nine Mile Beach, Off Awabakal Avenue

Nine Mile Beach, Off Awabakal Avenue

Nine Mile Beach, Off Awabakal Avenue

free at all times

free at all times

Caves Beach

Caves Beach

Caves Beach

Hams Beach, Access off Mawson Close

Hams Beach, Access off Mawson Close

Caves Beach

free at all times

free at all times

free at all times

Nine Mile Beach, Off Awabakal Avenue

Dog Parks

Dog Parks

Leash free at all times

Pinny Beach

Indicative site. Final site to be determined in

approved future residential subdivision plan

future residential subdivision plan

free at all times

free at all times

Catherine Hill Bay

Catherine Hill Bay

Northern end of Catherine Hill Bay Beach

free at all times

Northern end of Catherine Hill Bay Beach

Leash free at all times

Hams Beach, Access off Mawson Close

Beach, Access off Mawson

free at all times

Blacksmiths

Leash free at all times

Nine Mile Beach, Off Awabakal Avenue

Dog Parks

free at all times

Dog Parks

Dog parks

Caves Beach

Beach, Access off Mawson

free at all times

Pinny Beach

Indicative site. Final site to be determined in

Indicative site. Final site to be determined in

Pinny Beach

future residential subdivision plan

free at all times

future residential subdivision plan

free at all times

Indicative site. Final site to be determined in approved future residential subdivision plan

free at all times

Charlestown Catchment

Shared Off Leash Areas

Shared Off Leash Areas

Shared off-leash areas

Belmont North Lenaghan Park, Wommara Avenue Leash free except during organised sport and training

Belmont North Lenaghan Park, Wommara Avenue

Belmont North Lenaghan Park, Wommara Avenue

Eleebana

Eleebana

Belmont North

Lenaghan Park, Wommara Avenue

Eleebana

Thomas H Halton Park, Bareki Road

Leash free from sunrise to 10am all days, and from 4.30pm to sunset Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Leash free except during organised sport and training

Charlestown Adjacent netball courts, Dudley Road Leash free except when netball in progress

Gateshead Goundry St Oval, Goundry Street

Gateshead

Leash free except during organised sport and training

Goundry St Oval, Goundry Street

Leash free except during organised sport and training

Eleebana

Thomas H Halton Park, Bareki Road

Charlestown

Gateshead Goundry Leash training

training

Hillsborough Hillsborough Reserve, 62 Hillsborough Road

Requires further feasibility work prior to implementation

Leash free from sunrise to 10am all days, and from 4.30pm to sunset Monday to Friday, except public holidays Hillsborough Hillsborough Reserve, 62 Hillsborough Road

Adjacent netball courts, Dudley Road

Leash free except when netball in progress

Requires further feasibility work prior to implementation

Requires further feasibility work prior to implementation

Redhead Molly O’Connor Park, Elsdon Street Leash free at all times

Redhead Molly O’Connor Park, Elsdon Street Leash free at all times

Gateshead Goundry Leash training Hillsborough Hillsborough Reserve, 62 Hillsborough Road

Valentine Ruston Avenue

Valentine Ruston Avenue

Valentine Ruston Avenue Leash free at all times

Leash free at all times

Leash free at all times

Windale Bahloo Reserve, Merrigum St Leash free except during organised sport and training

Windale Bahloo Reserve, Merrigum St Leash free except during organised sport and training

Leash free except during organised sport and training

Thomas H Halton Park, Bareki Road

Leash free from sunrise to 10am all days, and from 4.30pm to sunset Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Leash free except during organised sport and training

Thomas H Halton Park, Bareki Road

Leash free from sunrise to 10am all days, and from 4.30pm to sunset Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Charlestown Adjacent netball courts, Dudley Road Leash free except when netball in progress

Eleebana Thomas Leash from public

Hillsborough

Hillsborough Hillsborough Reserve, 62 Hillsborough Road

Reserve, 62 Hillsborough

Valentine Ruston Avenue

Redhead Molly O’Connor Park, Elsdon Street

Redhead Molly O’Connor Park, Elsdon Street

Redhead Molly O’Connor Park, Elsdon Street

Windale

Windale

Windale

Reserve, Merrigum St

Reserve, Merrigum St

organised sport

Beach Off Leash Areas

Beach Off Leash Areas

Beach off-leash areas

Redhead

Redhead

training

Reserve, Merrigum St

organised sport and training

Dog Parks

Dog Parks

Dog parks

Eleebana

Eleebana

Thomas H Halton Park, Bareki Road

Eleebana

Thomas H Halton Park, Bareki Road

Thomas H Halton Park, Bareki Road

Valentine Ruston Avenue

CATCHMENT

Shared Off Leash Areas

Shared Off Leash Areas

Blackalls Park

Blackalls Park

Booragul

Booragul

Bolton

Leash

Buttaba

Carey

Coal

Booragul

Booragul

Booragul

Booragul

Carey

Myuna

Myuna

Gurranba

Rathmines

Myuna

Rathmines

Avenue

Marmong St

Reserve, Wangi Road

Blackalls

Park Reserve, Blackalls Avenue

free at

times

Bolton Point Corner of Bay and Quigley Roads

free at all times

Booragul

Buttaba Buttaba Leash

Park Reserve, Blackalls Avenue

free

of Bay and

Roads

Reserve, Marmong St

Myuna

Shared Off Leash Areas

Shared Off Leash Areas

Morisset Catchment

Shared off-leash areas

Bonnells Bay Pendlebury Park, Grand Parade Leash free at all times

Bonnells Bay Pendlebury Park, Grand Parade Leash free at all times

Bonnells Bay

Pendlebury Park, Grand Parade

Morisset Gibson Oval, Awaba St

Leash free at all times

Leash free except during organised sport and training

Morisset

Gibson Oval, Awaba St

Morisset Gibson Oval, Awaba St Leash free except during organised sport and training

Morisset Gibson Oval, Awaba St Leash free except during organised sport and training

Leash free except during organised sport and training

Dora Creek

Douglass Oval No.2, Douglass St

Leash free except during organised sport and training

Dora

Dora Creek

Douglass Oval No.2, Douglass St Leash free except during organised sport and training

Douglass Oval No.2, Douglass St Leash free except during organised sport and training

Sunshine Sunshine Park, Sunshine Parade

Sunshine Sunshine Park, Sunshine Parade

Leash free from sunrise to 10am all days, and from 4.30pm to sunset Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Leash free from sunrise to 10am all days, and from 4.30pm to sunset Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Wyee Wyee Oval, Summerhayes Road Leash free except during organised sport and training Dog Parks

Dog parks

Wyee Wyee Oval, Summerhayes Road

Sunshine Sunshine Park, Sunshine Parade Leash free from sunrise to 10am all days, and from 4.30pm to sunset Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Leash free except during organised sport and training

Wyee Wyee Oval, Summerhayes Road Leash free except during organised sport and training Dog Parks

Sunshine Sunshine Park, Sunshine Parade Leash free from sunrise to 10am all days, and from 4.30pm to sunset Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Cooranbong

Indicative site. Final site to be determined in approved future residential subdivision plan Leash free at all times

Cooranbong Indicative site. Final site to be determined in approved future residential subdivision plan Leash free at all times

Cooranbong Indicative site. Final site to be determined in approved future residential subdivision plan Leash free at all times

Bonnells Bay Pendlebury Park, Grand Parade Leash free at all times

Dora Creek Douglass Oval No.2, Douglass St Leash free except during organised sport and training

Morisset Gibson Leash training Sunshine Sunshine Leash from public

Dog Prohibited Areas