By BEN CAMERON
Cardinia Shire proposal to rid dog off-leash areas slammed…
THE Cardinia Dog Group has called a Cardinia Shire proposal to remove five off-leash areas as draconian.
Following proposed amendments to local laws, council may remove areas at Don Jackson Reserve, Lilliput Lane Reserve, Hammerwood Green Reserve, Bunyip Recreational Reserve and Maryknoll Recreation Reserve, because of their proximity to wildlife, children’s playgrounds, barbecue and picnic areas and sports grounds.
However, CDG spokesperson Ed Kirby said his group met at 9am at Toomuc Creek Linear Reserve each mid week day to avoid school runs and sporting groups.
“We need more areas for dogs, not less,” he said.
“Our council is draconian. It appears that people are happy with many of the leash free parks in Cardinia.
“Council is looking at this from a planning perspective, not a human viewpoint.
“What are we getting for our registrations?”
Mr Kirby said he lobbied council in 2007 for off-leash areas.
“I got 600 signatures in six weeks, I may have to do something similar again,” he said.
A council report found off-leash areas at Don Jackson Reserve and Hammerwood Green Reserve could be axed becase “(There is) no definable barrier between the areas (children’s playground and sporting grounds) “.
Ray Canobie Reserve in Pakenham and Officer Recreation Reserve have been proposed as new off-leash areas.
Council has also proposed relocating Toomuc Creek Linear Reserve.
“It is proposed to relocate the off leash area further south to provide greater separation from the sporting oval.”
It will retain areas at Pepi’s Land, Simon Drive Reserve, Cochrane Park, Alma Treloar Reserve and Garfield Recreation Reserve, south of the sports oval.
Mayor Graeme Moore said local laws needed to “keep up with the times” but urged residents to provide feedback if they felt they might be affected.
“If you think these proposed amendments might affect you, please give us your feedback. It is important that any new laws and policies reflect the views and priorities of residents,” he said.
Residents took to the Pakenham Gazette Facebook page to speak out on the issue.
Allison Haddock said she didn’t use off-leash parks as “they are dangerous and even though my dog is trained, dogs are animals and can’t be fully trusted not to run onto the road”.
“I lived in Brisbane for many years and the Brisbane City Council have over 120 dog parks. These were safer. The difference was they were fully fenced. They also had agility equipment for the dogs, poo bags, dog water fountains and shelter. The dogs loved it.”
Sarah Smith said she was not surprised the Don Jackson Reserve was being removed as she never felt safe there due to a lack of fences.
“Having off lead areas in a safe and designated place would also deter people from having their dogs off lead where they shouldn’t be,” she said.
Pakenham Police Sergeant Ray De Ruse said there had been minimal reports of serious dog attacks in recent years.
“We only have about three dog attacks reported to us each year,” he said.
Council co-ordinator Compliance Services Shannon Maynard said complaints were occasionally received about off-leash areas.
“However, council records do not reflect any complaints specific to issues around children’s play areas or people being harassed by off-leash dogs in inappropriate areas,” he said.
“The process for identifying and declaring parks to be off-leash considers the location of existing children’s play equipment or other recreational uses.”
Off-leash areas were first introduced by council in 2007.
Anyone with issues regarding off-leash dog areas should contact council on 1300 787 624.
