The Central Coast region has one of the highest rates of companion animal ownership in NSW. To balance the interests and pressures across Council’s open space network, the Dogs in Open Space Action Plan was developed, providing Council with a 10-year planning framework. 

At the July Council Meeting earlier this week, I endorsed that Council staff progress with a Review of Environmental Factors (REFs) for a number of sites across the local government area.   

However, I did resolve to discontinue the progression of an REF at the Illoura Reserve, Davistown (Pippi Point), thereby maintaining this site as is. My decision was informed by my numerous visits to the site, meetings with residents and local dog owners, as well as my thorough consideration of the independent ecological studies. 

I removed Memorial Park, Davistown, as a possible replacement for Pippi Point, as I do not believe it to be a suitable alternative location; it is prone to flooding, is relatively small and is located close to the open road.

On the other hand, I believe that there's a real need for a fenced off-leash dog area at The Haven in Terrigal due to the safety concerns to dog owners, non-dog owners, the environment and open space facilities. As such, I have endorsed the preparation of detailed concept plans and REF for this area. The outcome of the REF and concept design will to be reported back to the newly elected Council to allow for consideration of options and further community consultation.

It is my strong opinion that the effective management of dogs in open space areas can reduce conflict between dogs and other users of the locality, positively affecting the community.