The Kingborough Council has released its Draft Dog Management Policy for public comment until 25 June 2018. Dog walkers are encouraged to write to the Council about dog exercise areas in Kingborough.
The Kingborough Dog Walking Association (KDWA) has provided this analysis of the Kingborough Council Draft Dog Management Policy.
The Positives
Two new off-lead exercise areas: Kettering Reserve and Middleton Beach
The Negatives
Total loss of Tinderbox Hills from July-March; on-lead from April-June
Reduction in size of dog exercise areas at Apex Park, Taroona
Re-classification of Alum Cliffs track and the track behind Tyndall Beach to on-lead only.
Ban dogs at all shopping centres and shops. This means you can't walk your dog to the shop to buy a loaf of bread.
Ban dogs from within 10 metres of playgrounds. This means you can't take your children and your dog for a walk simultaneously if you're going to stop at a playground.
Ban dogs from all sportsgrounds while sport is being played (reasonable); and on-lead at all other times.
The process of having a draft policy following community consultation, then throwing that policy out after a secret meeting.
The Neutral
The maintenance of existing off-lead exercise areas at:
Tyndall Beach (aka Kingston Dog Beach)
the Kingborough Sports Centre (above the Mountain Bike Park)
Dru Point fenced dog park, Margate
Clarkes Beach, Coningham
Flowerpot Point
Suncoast Dog Park, Blackmans Bay
Dogs are still banned from all other beaches. This results in Tyndall Beach being very crowded, at certain times.
Dogs are permitted on-lead on most tracks and in most parks and reserves
Dogs are still permitted at Council events, on-lead, except in prohibited areas
Cafes - unclear.
The Kingborough Council Draft Dog Management Policy also covers subjects such as registration fees. We recommend you read the Kingborough Council's Draft Dog Management Policy
Copies of the Draft Dog Management Policy may also be requested from the Council. Phone (03) 6211 8200
Read the Kingborough Dog Walking Association submission to the Kingborough Council about allowing better access to beaches for dog walkers in Kingborough
What can you do?
Tell others
Encourage other dog owners to become familiar with the policy and write to the Council about their concerns, plus contact Councillors.
Write
Write to the Kingborough Council by 25 June 2018:
Kingborough Council
Civic Centre
15 Channel Highway, Kingston Tasmania 7050
Email: kc@kingborough.tas.gov.au
Contact Kingborough Councillors
Kingborough Councillors will make the ultimate decision about dog exercise areas in Kingborough. Contact Councillors.
Councils are required to review their Dog Management Policies every five years in accordance with the Dog Act 2001.
Join
Considering joining the Kingborough Dog Walking Association or a dog walking association in your area.