Fenced exercise facilities
Council is investigating the creation of fenced dog exercise facilities in the local government area. If available how often would you consider using such a facility? What level of amenities, such as shade, seats and toilets would you expect to find at such a facility?
This online discussion forum has concluded. You can still browse the site but the discussion area will no longer accept new comments or votes.
srt Comment 1 19 Jun 2010, 4:47 PM
I think dog parks would be a great idea (in addition to the off leash beach areas) as it might encourage more people to exercise their dogs. Initially, shade and minimal seating would be a great start and perhaps a separate area for small dogs who are often intimidated by larger animals would be a good idea. Later additions could be toilet facilities, sand (digging) pits & exercise equipment for dogs and some sort of wet area for when it gets hot. Just start small and get the ball rolling.
ash Comment 1.1 20 Jun 2010, 6:22 AM
To set up special areas could be expensive as this would mean that area has only one purpose.
Also such areas could have an accessibility problem in areas such as Wauchope if only one fenced area were set up.
It would be better to give guuidelined access to existing sporting fields e.g. not available to dogs when in use for sport or training.
I would only support them if it were in areas aside from the coastal areas as inland areas have no beaches.
Mally Comment 1.1.1 21 Jun 2010, 3:45 PM
I think Dog Parks are a great idea, as it allows the dogs to socialise & being a fenced area it defines the limits for both parties.
I dont think sporting fields are a good idea as there are irresponsible dog owners who don't pick after their pets & it would be a health/bad publicity issue.
I have witnessed a dog park in Coffs Harbour & it works well, its a mix of trees & open area & has a creek running through it & is fenced.
wendi Comment 1.1.1.1 13 Jul 2010, 9:16 AM
Using sporting fields when not in use works very well in the suburb of Cammeray (Sydney). TUNKS PARK does not have any fences at all as it is in a gully with a creek at the end. Many sporting groups use it and it has a flat walking path for when the fields are in use.
Kath Mc Comment 1.1.2 25 Jun 2010, 6:49 PM
There are many elderly people who have companion dogs and have difficulty walking. A designated, safe area would enable them to exercise their pets safely and without bothering other people. Most dog owners who love their pets enough to take them to the dog beach or special areas are concientious enough to clean up after them and ensure that they keep out of protected areas.
jaschloe Comment 1.1.2.1 29 Jun 2010, 8:13 PM
I agree many people have difficulty negotiating access to the dog beaches that we have. with rocks, stairs,sand there one day and washed away the next!!
DRC Comment 1.2 21 Jun 2010, 11:29 AM
I think this is a good idea - but must be in ADDITION to the current open spaces NOT a replacement for the beach areas.
eagle1960 Comment 1.3 22 Jun 2010, 9:40 PM
Council is broke and will be for many years, yet it can propose an expensive response to the so called review by an anti dog council Lets get our strategies correct and stop wasting taxpayers money. T
SAC Comment 1.4 28 Jun 2010, 10:54 AM
I think dogs should be leashed at all times - especially at beach areas. Dogs keep the wildlife away(compare the situation at the beaches in the National Park where the wildlife actually visits the beach, with the beaches where dogs run free - no wild life).The other problems is the mutts drop their droppings and that is disgusting.
I am amazed at the demands now being made by dog owners.
dolphin Comment 1.4.1 28 Jun 2010, 5:38 PM
Dogs most certainly should not be leashed at all times.This is ridiculous. Dogs are not the problem in National Parks, cats are.
Dog owners are tax payers are rate payers and this reinforces our right to fight for our entitlements and a fair go.A large percentage of ratepayers are dog owners.Your remark calling dogs muts is highly offensive!!
lisamahon32 Comment 1.4.2 28 Jun 2010, 6:34 PM
Our dogs love to say hello to people as they walk past. It creates conversation between others members of the community who you would normally not talk to. We have plenty of locations in Port where the wildlife is plenty. We have two dogs and see plenty of parrots in our backyard. We even get koalas in our backyard and the dogs have never hurt the koalas and the local Magpies do not seem to care about our dogs.
jaschloe Comment 1.4.2.1 29 Jun 2010, 8:11 PM
it is also about training your dog not to approach these animals in the first place ie having your dogs under control off lead or not
wendi Comment 1.4.3 13 Jul 2010, 9:19 AM
Why should every beach be ruled by the NPWS???????
clarky41 Comment 1.5 13 Jul 2010, 9:09 AM
Several fenced dog friendly parks are essential - at least one in each of the townships making up the Hastings region. I do agree there should be a separate area for small dogs - I'm the owner of a large dog, though still only a pup and very enthusiastic, she does intimidate people because of her size. The parks should be fenced to ensure the safety of the dogs & passing pedestrians, large enough for dogs to chase balls etc and get a good run unhindered. In the UK, there is always a large sandpit that owners are encouraged to train their dogs to use as a toilet, with bags & specialised bin nearby. A specialised waste disposal bin for bagged droppings would be a must. I agree with 'srt' that a small start on this is better than no start - provide the fenced area with bins and a few seats - building the amenities as funds arise. This may give rise to some form of community involvement (donations of park benches/excercise/sensory equipment) or work for the dole scheme. Surely it would not be cost prohibitive to fence a few parks in the area and nominate them as dog friendly - if this was the case, I would happily use such a facility every day if close by or every 2nd day if it involved a car trip.
Several fenced dog friendly parks are essential - at least one in each of the townships making up the Hastings region. I do agree there should be a separate area for small dogs - I'm the owner of a large dog, though still only a pup and very enthusiastic, she does intimidate people because of her size.
more…
hollymolly Comment 1.6 26 Jul 2010, 9:35 PM
This is a great idea. My daughter lives in Sydney and often takes her dogs to the doggy cafe at Habberfield. It is a lovely meeting place for dog owners.Hastings area, dog owners, often meet at the Lighthouse Beach surf club for a cuppa because dogs are welcome. Could the park include a venue to buy refreshments for the dog owners?
My daughters and I have 12 pomeranians in total so we would use the park
very often as weather permits. Big dogs in the same area would be a hazard to our pooches.
moriac Comment 2 21 Jun 2010, 11:47 AM
i think there are many dog owners who find the steep steps at nobbies and the soft sand at light house limiting and would enjoy an alternative on a flat accessable area.
capt al Comment 2.1 21 Jun 2010, 2:55 PM
Dog parks would be a great idea , however how can our
cash strapped council afford them ? Further would
they be used as an excuse to further restrict access
to the few exsting dog friendly areas.
dimac7 Comment 2.1.1 28 Jun 2010, 7:32 PM
If I could take my dogs to a safe fenced area and enjoy the company of other friendly dog owners, while our dogs enjoyed the company of other dogs I wouls happily pay for the opportunity. BUT, having said that I don't thsink that payment should be compulsory. Some responsible dog owners wont be able to afford to pay. AND has anyone ever thought that in some instances the only friend some people have is their dog !! Lets think about thoe people and allow the the opportunity of safe socialisation for themselves and their dogs
mhalliday Comment 3 21 Jun 2010, 5:47 PM
No I do not believe creating fenced dog exercise facilities a good idea. Those with dogs need easy access and there would be insufficient fenced areas for the purpose or for the population of dogs.
lisamahon32 Comment 3.1 28 Jun 2010, 6:36 PM
Maybe Hasting council needs to speak to Blacktown council. They have a leash free area that is not fenced. I have taken my dogs there when visiting my parents and they loved it. There was a creek they could wade in and play.
Engaged Comment 4 21 Jun 2010, 6:03 PM
Whilst no longer a dog owner, it would have been good at times to have such a facility in Laurieton, particularly as our now deceased Siberian Husky loved to run off lead, but it did cause some hair raising moments, as the nature of the breed is to keep running!
Therefore, I agree in principle with fenced dog exercise facilities, however I would question whether Council would be able to afford to fund several 'dog parks', given the number of dogs in the whole Council area.
In my opinion, they would be a valuable addition to unleashed areas, as not all dog owners are able to access dog friendly beaches.
Education programs for dog owners would also be a good idea, as not all owners are aware of the need to keep their dogs under control at all times. A dog's behaviour is only ever as good as its owner's. Perhaps such programs could be conducted in 'dog parks'?
Whilst no longer a dog owner, it would have been good at times to have such a facility in Laurieton, particularly as our now deceased Siberian Husky loved to run off lead, but it did cause some hair raising moments, as the nature of the breed is to keep running!Therefore, I agree in principle with fenced
more…
jaschloe Comment 4.1 29 Jun 2010, 8:09 PM
It would be good to have responsible dog control lessons in 'dog parks' I am sure some people just feel frustrated their dog is not reponding appropriately but are not sure how to change the situation.
wendi Comment 4.1.1 13 Jul 2010, 9:20 AM
Perhaps the PORT MACQUARIE canine bodies could get involved
ifonly Comment 5 21 Jun 2010, 6:55 PM
I agree that fenced areas are a good idea but in addition to the lease free areas on the beaches etc. They should not be instead of.
midge Comment 6 22 Jun 2010, 9:45 AM
Fenced dog parks would be a great idea as I often see people with there dogs off lead in the streets and this is a recipe for disaster as the dog only needs one detraction and it could easily run across the road and even cause an accident,I would be the first to use a fence dog park frequently as I have a little Miniture Labradoodle and he loves to play,I also think a tap and shade would be great as people can supply there own seats. A dividing fence so you have a section for large and small dogs is also a good idea as I know a lot of people who won't take there small dogs out as they are terrified of big dogs and I know of many big dog attacks on small dogs. Maybe a $1.00 charge per visit or a slight increase in the dog registration would be a thought as I know I would pay it for a chance to give my dog a place to play. Thanks for listening,Midge.
Fenced dog parks would be a great idea as I often see people with there dogs off lead in the streets and this is a recipe for disaster as the dog only needs one detraction and it could easily run across the road and even cause an accident,I would be the first to use a fence dog park frequently as I have
more…
ckh Comment 6.1 27 Jun 2010, 4:57 PM
I disagree.If a charge were implemented to enable access to fenced dog park then a charge would also be required to be implemented to enable all persons adults and children to gain access to sporting fields.
midge Comment 6.1.1 27 Jun 2010, 10:52 PM
In regards to your comment I am sure the council would not employ people to sit at sporting fields all day in case someone wanted to go to the field, as there is way to many sporting fields and I don't think it would be beneficial. But in saying that the other idea of putting up the DOG REGISTRATION to pay for such facilities is probably the preferred method.
Strategy Comment 7 22 Jun 2010, 3:43 PM
The off leash beach areas are essestial so any dog park facilities must not come at the expense of the beaches.
Dog parks work well in many local government areas so it is not necessary to reinvent the wheel.
We would use the dog parks regularly but nothing beats the offleash beaches for human and canine enjoyment.
Only limited facilities are needed - water, shade and some seats. Toilet facilities would be a bonus
jaschloe Comment 7.1 29 Jun 2010, 8:07 PM
I agree Off leash park areas are a need in this area as well as the beaches and not just one! If it is too small it is intimidating and not fun for all. Sometimes Nobbies, being small and contained is so busy and I agree only limited facilities are needed and a doggy doo disposal bin.
Edbene Comment 8 23 Jun 2010, 4:53 PM
Fenced exercise facilities for the hounds might be useful, but surely our local government has higher priorities.
Road repairs, parks and gardens management, diligent maintenance of the existing infrastructure, and provision of the basic services to the community are the reasons for having municipal councils.
Imposing inequitable extra regulations and diminishing longstanding social freedoms such as walking dogs on the beach is not the reason for having municipal councils.
If PMHC reengages our community resources in providing extra and unnecessary facilities, I suggest that it won't be long before we will see a dog's equivalent of the wasteful Glasshouse debacle.
Most of us believe that the PMHC is broke already, who is to pay for this then ?
Fenced exercise facilities for the hounds might be useful, but surely our local government has higher priorities. Road repairs, parks and gardens management, diligent maintenance of the existing infrastructure, and provision of the basic services to the community are the reasons for having municipal
more…
ckh Comment 8.1 27 Jun 2010, 5:01 PM
As a working tax payer and rate payer I have a right to say where my taxes and rates are spent. Fenced designated dog areas and unleashed dog areas are a prority.If the police and council controlled the vandalising louts around our area there would be plenty of money available for capital works projects.
dimac7 Comment 8.2 28 Jun 2010, 7:35 PM
Bah Humbug !!!!
to some people dogs are important to their well-being. You might not liek dogs, you might not see dogs as important .......... but many people do
GRAY Comment 9 28 Jun 2010, 7:11 PM
If fenced dog exercise areas were available we would use it at least 3 times per week. Toilet facilities need to be available,as well as seats and shade areas.In Melbourne councils provide such areas with plastic bag containers around the park which allow owners to pick up after their animals and deposit droppings in bins provided.Come on,we can do a lot better than we are and such measures will promote Port macquarie as being much more "dog friendly" than it is at the moment.
Dingo Comment 9.1 28 Jun 2010, 8:13 PM
Try living in Bonny Hills, paying $2,500 rates a year and having no accessible off-leash areas. We have to cross illegal areas (fines) to 'access' the dog area which means crossing soft sand, a creek that Council warns is not safe to swim in and then further soft sand that the elderly and the unfit can't possibly manage. But we are told that we have dog beach areas!? If you can get there!
juliat Comment 10 29 Jun 2010, 8:24 AM
I agree that fenced areas definitely should be in addition to existing areas. Existing dog exercise areas are already overcrowded and it would be such a shame to lose these areas. I know that I would frequently use a fenced area with my dogs, I go to Nobby's twice per day and a change of scene would be great.
I recently visited Armidale and was so impressed with the facilities for dogs and the number of fenced off-leash exercise areas. I think some areas like theirs in the Port area would be such an asset for locals and visitors and would be extremely well utilised.
In terms of amenities, I think the most important thing is the provision of dog waste bags and waste receptacles to encourage dog owners to do the right thing.
Additional amenties that would be beneficial (but not essential; toilets, dog drinking troughs, seats, shade, somewhere for dogs to swim and maybe some dog play equipment (in Forster they have a permanent dog agility course set up which is great).
I agree that fenced areas definitely should be in addition to existing areas. Existing dog exercise areas are already overcrowded and it would be such a shame to lose these areas. I know that I would frequently use a fenced area with my dogs, I go to Nobby's twice per day and a change of scene would
more…
KenMa1 Comment 10.1 10 Jul 2010, 4:45 PM
I agree. I visit Armidale on a regular basis and the off leash fenced park is just fabulous. Some local ladies make it a social occasion every morning by meeting in the park with their dogs. If it wasn't for this regular outing depression, chronic illnesses and social isolation would be alot more common in older people. The health benefits of having a pet and being able to exercise and meet fellow animal lovers is well documented. Get with the times Hastings Council. The cost of setting up a fenced park is nothing compared to all the waste in other areas around town.
wendi Comment 10.2 13 Jul 2010, 9:01 AM
Can you tell everyone where the Forster dog agility course is set up so we can have a look please
juliat Comment 10.2.1 13 Jul 2010, 2:09 PM
This is the blurb from the council website about the dog agility park
Beach Street Reserve Dog Agility Track
Great Lakes Council, together with Forster Tuncurry Lions Club and the Beach Street Volunteer Group, all worked together to build a Dog Agility Park at Beach Street Reserve, Tuncurry. Whilst dog agility is an actual sport, the park is for amateurs to provide mental simulation and activity for dogs. The park consists of weave posts for slalom manoeuvres, tunnels, ramps and jumps where dogs can test each discipline and eventually race against owner and the clock.
The weblink is http://www.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au/content/Public/Residents/Pets/Where_Can_I_Walk_My_Dog.aspx
You can see some pictures, it's great
This is the blurb from the council website about the dog agility parkBeach Street Reserve Dog Agility TrackGreat Lakes Council, together with Forster Tuncurry Lions Club and the Beach Street Volunteer Group, all worked together to build a Dog Agility Park at Beach Street Reserve, Tuncurry. Whilst dog
more…
AXG Comment 11 30 Jun 2010, 1:48 PM
I would use a properly fenced accessible area almost daily to exercise and/or train my dog.
I suggest that in most areas some bush and tall grass, perhaps some water and sand would be desirable. As would some jumps and climbing things for the dogs (refer to PMQ dog training club).
Essential to all areas would be facilities for keeping the area clean and disposing of "rubbish".
In Port Macquarie there is a dog training / agility club which does not have a real home. It would be a good idea if Council could provide them with an enclosed training area with equipment as these volunteers do train many dogs per year without much assistance from the Council.
I would use a properly fenced accessible area almost daily to exercise and/or train my dog.I suggest that in most areas some bush and tall grass, perhaps some water and sand would be desirable. As would some jumps and climbing things for the dogs (refer to PMQ dog training club).Essential to all areas
more…
bev Comment 12 30 Jun 2010, 9:02 PM
I would use a decent fenced park all the time and travel to do so. As long as it was a good size space for them to run and explore, with trees, water facility, exercise equipment, shade and seats. Dog bags and bins obviously. I cannot stress enough that it has to be a good size to be effective, a square of grass in a cage just doesnt work, I've witness so many dog fights in these that I find it too stressful to go to them where I live currently in Townsville.Looking forward to moving to Port Mac with my two pooches.
Linnie Comment 13 10 Jul 2010, 5:41 PM
I believe these type of areas would benefit a restricted/metropolitan type of environment but for those living in a rural area such as Dunboggan, Lake Cathie and Bonnie Hills a more cost effective decision would be to allocate accessible beaches during off peak times e.g. 5.00 - 7.00 am and 5.00 - 7.00 pm.
wendi Comment 13.1 13 Jul 2010, 8:44 AM
I feel the restricted hours that you suggest only suit those that rise before 7am or live directly on a beach. (I do rise before 7).
Everybody's life and routine varies IMMENSELY.
As I live 45 minutes west of Dunbogan, I bring my dogs with me when I shop and then take them to the beach, so these hours are totally prohibitive.
Bluey's Beach (near Forster) has the worst time of any that I know - for ONE hour ONLY between 7am and 8am you can "exercise" your dog on the beach ON A LEASH. Minority of residents that hate dogs make the rules there.
Susie T Comment 14 12 Jul 2010, 2:54 PM
I would find a well fenced area beneficial. My 2 dogs have very thick, long coats so I avoid going to the beach due to the work involved in cleaning off the sand and salt. This would give more scope for playing with other dogs in a safe environment and wouldn't bother those sad people who hate dogs. I should add that they are walked most days in our local area and have only been attached once.
wendi Comment 15 12 Jul 2010, 4:21 PM
IF ANYONE WANTS TO ACTUALLY SEE THE ADVANTAGES OF A FENCED DOG PARK, THEN MAY I SUGGEST A VISIT TO FRENCHS FOREST SHOW GROUND, SYDNEY. IT IS USUALLY FULL OF DOGS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES AND TEMPERAMENTS. THE FENCE IS ONLY 3 FOOT HIGH BUT IT CONTAINS EVEN THE LARGEST DOGS AND YOU ARE ASSURED THAT YOUR DOG CANNOT GET HIT BY A CAR, CANNOT ATTACK NATIVE FAUNA, HAS FIXED WATER BOWLS AND TAP, DOGGY BAG DISPENSER AND DOGGY DOO BINS. AND GUESS WHAT??? THE DOGS JUST HAVE A BARREL OF FUN. IT IS THE SIZE OF A FOOTBALL OVAL AND THE OWNERS CAN GET PLENTY OF EXERCISE TOO!
IF ANYONE WANTS TO ACTUALLY SEE THE ADVANTAGES OF A FENCED DOG PARK, THEN MAY I SUGGEST A VISIT TO FRENCHS FOREST SHOW GROUND, SYDNEY. IT IS USUALLY FULL OF DOGS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES AND TEMPERAMENTS. THE FENCE IS ONLY 3 FOOT HIGH BUT IT CONTAINS EVEN THE LARGEST DOGS AND YOU ARE ASSURED THAT YOUR
more…
Roxanne Comment 15.1 15 Jul 2010, 11:25 PM
i totally agree!!! this is all we need and the dogs would have a fantastic time!!
mdf Comment 16 14 Jul 2010, 3:03 PM
When we lived in Brisbane we always took our dogs to the fenced off leash runs for dogs. There was supposed to be one completed last year at Henry Kendall Reserve in Laurieton, where is it???? I love my dogs and do not want them running into tick infested bushes ( or snakes in hotter weather) so the fenced off leash areas are wonderful.
Roxanne Comment 17 15 Jul 2010, 11:23 PM
We have 2 medium/large dogs and they need an off leash fenced area where they are able to run, play and chase balls so that they stay healthy and happy.
If 1 park in each town could just be fenced in (and perhaps lights for those people who cannot get to park before dark due to work) that would be enough at least we could feel safe that they will not run onto the road.
dogs encourage their owners to lead active lifestyles and the creation of off leash dog parks would help promote this lifestyle.
eustace Comment 18 20 Jul 2010, 8:35 PM
Clearly many dog owners want more leashed only areas and more unleashed areas. However there is a basic conflict between the preferences of many dog owners and the large numbers of people who use the main city beaches, or the magnificent walk between Town Green and Tacking Point Lighthouse. The conflicts will continue to increase as population expands.
The basic conflict could be substantially reduced if Council extended Matthew Flinders Drive for about three kilometres south, parallel to the beach and outside the golf course, and provided a parking area and vehicle ramp at the end of the new beach access road.
This would open up a large new area that could be used partly for leashed dogs and partly for unleashed dogs. It would also overcome the growing conflict between vehicles and beach users near the present vehicle access at the southern corner of Matthew Flinders Drive.
Clearly many dog owners want more leashed only areas and more unleashed areas. However there is a basic conflict between the preferences of many dog owners and the large numbers of people who use the main city beaches, or the magnificent walk between Town Green and Tacking Point Lighthouse. The conflicts
more…
TamaraC Comment 19 28 Jul 2010, 1:40 PM
This is not important to me as an issue. Just having a place to go will be fine - where ever it is.
