Northern Beaches Council has allocated an extra $400,000 over the next four years to improve fencing, signage and management practices to dozens of Unleashed Dog Exercise Areas across the Northern Beaches and to commence public consultations with a view to declare four more ‘off leash’ dog exercise areas.

At last night’s Council’s meeting, Administrator Dick Persson AM agreed to begin a new public consultation process with a view to having new Unleashed Dog Exercise Areas declared in Warriewood Valley Detention Basin Prosperity Parade, Avalon Beach Reserve adjacent to Central Road (west of the drainage canal), Munnumba Reserve Belrose, and South Creek Reserve Wheeler Heights.

“The review identified that the existing network of unleashed areas meant that no one needed to drive longer than 10 minutes to get to one, and are able to comfortably walk to one in their neighbourhood,” Mr Persson said.

Council staff will also review the adequacy of Lagoon Park Queenscliff to function as an Unleashed Dog Exercise Area and engage with the community with a view to possibly rescinding the declaration or introducing restricted hours of usage as used in some other of Council’s off-leash dog exercise areas.

Unleashed Dog Exercise Areas are visited by thousands of people each week and vary greatly, with some being fully fenced with shade, seating, taps and water, bins, dog bag dispensers, toilets, signage and adequate parking, while others are lacking in basic facilities.

“Fencing is a major priority for Council particularly if the ‘dog park’ is located adjacent to a busy road or playing fields such as Griffith Park Long Reef and Hitchcock Park Careel Bay, or have playgrounds within them such as North Harbour Reserve, Seaforth Oval Careel Bay, Progress Park  Narrabeen, Rowland Reserve Bayview and Griffith Park.

“Under State legislation, dogs are prohibited from coming within 10 metres of playgrounds and these areas will be a priority.

“Council will also undertake an audit of existing signage and install new signage as soon as possible, if found to be necessary,” he said.

An integrated policy for Unleashed Dog Exercise Areas and dog management will be developed, including how to better manage professional dog walkers and deliver Council run dog education and training programs.

Council resolved in 2016 to review the adequacy of the 26 Northern Beaches ‘off leash’ dog exercise areas including Tania Park Balgowlah Heights, Progress Park Narrabeen, Forestville Memorial Playing Fields, Hinkler Park Queenscliff, John Fisher Park Curl Curl, Frenchs Forest Showground and the trial unleashed dog area at McCarrs Creek Reserve, among others.

During the course of the review Council consulted with the Manly and District Dog Obedience Training Club, Manly Dogs, Manly Warringah Football Association, Pittwater Unleashed, Frenchs Forest Showground Users, Warringah Junior Rugby Union and other stakeholders.