More controversy over Dogs in Open Spaces plan

The latest iteration of Central Coast Council’s draft Dogs in Open Space Action Plan has certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons.

Although Administrator Rik Hart says he is trying to “look for an outcome that will satisfy everyone”, many dog owners are unhappy with the latest “compromises” suggested for off-leash dog areas at Pippi Point, Davistown, and The Haven at Terrigal.

Davistown residents are not happy with the suggestion of reducing the size of Pippi Point off-leash dog area, eliminating access to the beachfront.

Hundreds of dogs and their owners are expected to descend on Pippi Point on Sunday, September 10, at 10.30am, to hold a peaceful protest over the move, which is included in the latest iteration of the Dogs in Open Spaces policy, now on public exhibition.

“With placards and a lot of passion, the residents of Saratoga, Davistown, Yattalunga and beyond will gather to protest the Central Coast Council’s proposed shutting down of the dog beach, a vital part of the community’s social tapestry, a place where locals and their dogs can meet and connect,” a spokesperson said.

“Council is trying to (cut) down the dog park in a misguided attempt to protect a bird which has never nested, roosted or bred at this site.

“Three environmental reports have confirmed this.

“We have a petition with over 3000 signatures.

“By Council’s own figures (after the first round of submissions) 81.6 per cent of people are against the decommissioning of this dog park and this number continues to grow.

“Council has adjusted its position a little, but still plans on taking away beach access for people and their dogs.

“This will have a profound effect on people who use the park on a daily basis.

“For many who access with wheelchairs and mobility aids these changes mean they will no longer be able to access the beach at all and Council will be indirectly discriminating against people with disabilities and the elderly as a result.

“Despite the obvious opposition from the locals, plus no ecological evidence to justify its proposed decision, Council seems determined to continue with its plans.”

The spokesperson said the area is used by dog owners ranging from children to those in their 90s.

Resident Johnny Row gave an impassioned appeal at the public forum prior to Council’s last general meeting on August 22.

“There is a very strong community voice to keep Pippi Point as it is where it is,” he said.

“A reduction in size would result in more noise for neighbours as the dogs will be closer.

“There will also be more wear and tear on the ground surface and more fights between dogs.

“There is no evidence bush stone curlews are under any threat from dogs; it’s time to put people first.”

The Davistown petition can be accessed at https://chng.it/VNFwyGTyz6

Meanwhile, plans to cut down or remove the off-leash area at The Haven, Terrigal, have also met with community opposition.

Graham Hughes told the public forum prior to the Council meeting that he had been taking four dogs to the Haven for many years, all with different exercise needs.

“This is a microcosm of use of the dog park,” he said.

The Haven allows for all nature of off-leash activities

graham hughes

“The Haven allows for all nature of off-leash activities and there is a greater risk with proposed alternative sites, with their nearby properties and heavy traffic.”

Hughes said The Haven was geographically isolated from the neighbouring community and did not interfere with any properties.

“On weekdays there are very few people there other than dog owners,” he said.

“Even in peak holiday times, because of the size of the area everyone can co-exist.”

Hughes said a proposal to fence off a dog area could “mitigate problems” and that increased housing in the area calls for increased dog exercise areas.

But Council Administrator Rik Hart said suggested changes at The Haven were all about “managing risk” and an alternative site for an off-leash dog area had been proposed at Wamberal.

“There are more areas available for off leash dogs than in most other council areas,” Hart told the August 22 meeting.

“There are very, very strong views out there and there needs to be some compromise.”

Hart said The Haven was unsuitable for off-leash dog activity due to its popularity with families with prams and older people, car movements, sporting fields and cliff edges.

He said he had seen small children frightened by dogs and multiple videos of dog owners ignoring the signs around the area.

With The Haven one of the most visited spots on the Coast, he said investigating the possibility of a fenced-off dog area made sense.

Council’s Director Environment and Planning, Alice Howe, said the needs of dog owners had to be balanced with other users of open space.

She said the latest draft policy reflected expert advice and feedback from community workshops.

(See more on the draft policy and how to have input in separate story).

Terry Collins