After a major battle the Clarence City Council (CCC) Dog Management Policy remains unchanged.
When the CCC released its Dog Management Policy for public consultation earlier this year, the CCC recommended virtually all off-lead exercise areas become on-lead. Beaches were also at risk.
The 2021 battle for Clarence off-lead dog exercise areas started with Anzac Park, Lindisfarne, when locals assembled and appeared in the media stating their intention to defend a popular park.
Anzac Park was not the only place to defend but the park provided excellent people to go into battle with.
Hobart Dog Walking Association Inc (HDWA) president Tanzi Lewis said the HDWA had been awaiting the release of the Clarence Dog Management Policy Review and was anticipating a battle.
"Bellerive Beach was on our radar, but we didn't expect an audacious all-out assault on virtually all off-lead dog exercise areas throughout Clarence," Tanzi said.
The HDWA encouraged people to get involved in the consultation. This was achieved. Apparently the Dog Management Policy Review received the most submissions for any Clarence consultation.
What was saved
Howrah and Bellerive Beaches
Anzac Park
Seven Mile Beach's full-time off-lead area
Roches Beach section from Canal South to Mays Point. This was proposed for a total dog ban in Round One
Tangara Trail remains off-lead
Roscommon, Lauderdale, remains off-lead
Clarence Dog Owners Group formed
HDWA Inc has had Clarence members since 2007. During 2021, the Clarence Dog Owners Group (CDOGs) was formed as an affiliated group of the HDWA.
The formation of CDOGs has been very important as some Clarence Aldermen like dealing with locals, as opposed to those from the other side, and the more people involved with lobbying for dog exercise areas the better.
On behalf of dog walkers in Greater Hobart, thank you to everyone who did anything to help our effort. The effort was worth it.
Interested dog owners should read the Minutes of the Clarence City Council Meeting 11 October 2021 and watch the meeting on YouTube. Terry Polglase (CDOGs) and Tanzi Lewis did deputations.
A BIG thank you to everyone involved. We couldn't have done it without you.
If you're not already a member join the Hobart Dog Walking Association or Clarence Dog Owners Group.