With consultation on Central Coast Council’s revised draft Dogs in Open Spaces Action Plan now having closed, Terrigal Haven Dogs and Friends have issued a last-minute plea to Administrator Rik Hart to retain the off-leash dog park at the popular spot.
The draft Action Plan considered options to cut down or remove the off-leash area at The Haven, or replace it with a smaller, leashed area, much to the ire of local dog owners.
With Council now set to consider feedback from the latest consultation period, Hart seems unlikely to be swayed after telling the August council meeting that 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.
Hart said there were more areas available on the Central Coast for off leash dogs than in most other council areas and there was a “need for compromise”, with The Haven unsuitable for off-leash dog activity due to its popularity with families with prams and older people, car movements, sporting fields and cliff edges.
But Terrigal Haven Dogs and Friends spokesperson Trish Stack said the proposal to decommission the space and make it on-leash only could have detrimental consequences for residents and visitors as well as dogs.
“The proposed change to on-leash only would expose pedestrians to multiple dogs on pathways, the beachside promenade and picnic areas,” she said.
“This increases the risk of entanglements, conflicts and accidents involving dogs, residents and tourists.
“Terrigal Haven’s off-leash dog park has been a safe and enjoyable space for responsible dog owners to exercise their pets and socialise.
“Removing this space undermines the community’s wellbeing and quality of life.
“The off-leash area promotes responsible dog ownership, allowing dogs to socialise and exercise while under control.
“Removing this space will lead to more dogs being walked off-leash in high pedestrian areas.
“On-leash dogs can be more vulnerable and reactive, potentially leading to increased conflicts.
“The proposed change could burden local authorities with more disputes and complaints.”
She said the group supported the retention of a safe fenced off-leash area at Terrigal Haven and urged Council to reconsider the proposal.
Council is also facing pressure to reconsider a proposal to reduce the size of Pippi Point off-leash dog area at Davistown, with more than 3,200 signatures on a petition calling for it to be retained in full.
Hundreds of dogs and their owners gathered on site on September 10, with a reduced off-leash area set to cut off beach access for owners and their dogs.
“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,” a spokesperson said at the time.
“Three environmental reports have confirmed this.
“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.”
The draft Action Plan is expected to come before Council for consideration again in coming weeks.
Terry Collins
no dogs at the haven.it allready gone to the dogs.
The haven has gone to the dogs already.
In my experience council never listens to residents and end up doing exactly what they want even if it’s the wrong thing
There should be a high visibility campaign aimed at ensuring that these people are never again elected to office.
Jeff, for your information, there have been no elected councillors for almost 4 years. All decisions are ultimately made by the Council’s appointed Admistrator who runs all meetings without any councillors in place. Elections will be held next September.