How can we better manage dogs in our Shire’s public spaces?

Published on 08 November 2021

Council is calling for up to 15 volunteers to join a new Community Working Group that will focus on the issues and challenges of managing dogs in public spaces in the Byron Shire.  The Group will be established by the end-of November and meet four times from the end of November until mid-March 2022.  Members must live in the Byron Shire.

Feedback from the Community Working Group will directly shape Council’s new Dogs in Public Spaces Strategy, along with consultation with the wider community via an online survey, plus park drop-in sessions and other activities that will take place early next year.   You can have your say until 13 December at www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au/dogs-in-public-spaces-strategy

“For the Working Group, we need nominations from a wide cross-section of the Byron Shire community with different interests in the issue of management of dogs in public spaces; people who have pet dogs and well as people who don’t, and we need representatives from different places around the Shire,” Council’s Manager Public and Environmental Services, Sarah Nagel said.

“We know that the majority of people love their dogs and are responsible pet owners, but the management of dogs in public spaces can be a very divisive issue for our community.  We know that there are around 10,000 dogs living in the Byron Shire, and this number has been on the rise since Covid-19,” Ms Nagel said.

“Through this consultation, the Working Group will look at existing conditions for off-leash areas, and what could be done better, as well as whether there is a need for new dog exclusion zones, off-leash areas or enclosed dog parks.

“We’ll also be exploring the suitability of existing dog exercise areas and associated infrastructure and signage, as well as bin and littering issues,” she said.

The Dogs in Public Spaces Strategy will replace Council’s current Companion Management Exercise Areas Policy.

The Draft Strategy will be placed on exhibition mid-2022, with a final opportunity for community feedback before it is adopted.

Visit Your Say Byron Shire for more information, to complete the survey and submit your nomination to join the Community Working Group before 22 November 2021.