Davistown residents have given the thumbs down to a site off Pine Ave suggested by Central Coast Council as an alternate off-leash dog area as it plans to close the existing site at Pippi Point in Illoura Reserve.
The change in off-leash site is mooted in Council’s Dogs in Open Space Plan 2022-23 draft policy, which was open for public comment earlier this year, with Davistown residents protesting en masse.
Davistown Progress Association President, Jenny McCulla, said a group of dog owners gathered to check out the proposed site on September 24, joined by residents wanting to show their solidarity.
“The residents agreed with us that the site is a ‘passive recreation park’ used by walkers, bike riders and people in wheelchairs taking shortcuts, families with babies and toddlers in strollers and for young bike riders who learn to ride safely off-street,” she said.
One resident said the park is not designed access-wise for large numbers of owners of dogs for off leash use.
“Parking is just not available here; we are worried our access will be constantly blocked,” she said.
“We are concerned that dogs will run off into nearby streets and be hit.
“And we are also concerned cars will constantly block our very narrow access way.”
McCulla said the Davistown local indigenous Guringai Custodian has confirmed there is a breeding pair of Bush Stone Curlews which frequent the small park.
Local dog owner, Trish Bourke, said neighbours had confirmed that the Green and Golden Bell frog is also regularly seen in the park and heard in neighbouring back yards.
“This park is full of trees, which excited dogs will collide with while playing,” Bourke said.
“It is totally inappropriate and too small for larger dogs who need more space to play and exercise.”
Fellow dog owner, Ann Barnes, said the park constantly floods, which was a major reason it was unsuitable.
“It would also be noisy for nearby residents and is unsafe as dogs have no escape, or way to avoid less socialised dogs,” she said.
“The current park at Pippi Point is more relaxing for dog owners and is far better for dogs and their owners’ mental health.”
A Council spokesperson said the Dogs in Open Spaces Draft Action Plan has not yet been presented to Council.
“Council staff are currently collating and reviewing all the public submissions and petitions received during the consultation period on the Plan,” the spokesperson said.
“Once this work is completed, Council will be sharing the outcomes to the community, before it is presented to Council.
“Council thanks all those who submitted feedback and will update the community on its progress over time.”
Terry Collins
I have seen green grass hoppers nesting in this area why would the council let dogs off in this area its terrible