Furry family members get new exercise areas

Four new Dog Exercise Areas were voted in by Augusta Margaret River Councillors at last week’s Ordinary Meeting.

The new localities reflect the population growth of residential areas and provide space for the furry members of family to stretch their legs and socialise.

The localities are: 

Brookfield: The reserve bounded by Brookfield Ave to the South and Leschenaultia Ave to the West. Gnarabup: The beach known as ‘Back Beach’ accessed by the steps at Reef drive car parkstretch approximately 170m north of that access and 130m south of that access. Parkwater: The reserve bounded by Pioneer Drive to the North West and Honeytree Grove to the West. Parkwater: Parkwater Oval bounded by Currawong Street in the East and Sunset Drive in the South, excluding the playground area.

During the same meeting Councillors voted to prohibit dogs south of Back Beach and north of Boodjidup Beach in Gnarabup, including Gas Bay beach and Grunters on a trial basis from 15 December 2021 to 15 March 2022.

This seasonal prohibition aims to prevent disturbance to nesting Hooded Plovers.

A further report on Dog Exercise Areas will be presented to Council next year and will further consider:

the current Dog Exercise Areas at Nippers Oval and Cowaramup Oval a review of the seasonal prohibition trial at Gnarabup, and the need for Dog Exercise Areas in other parts of the Shire.

More information and maps for the Dog Exercise Areas are available on the Shire’s website at https://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/services/animal-ownership/dog-ownership

The changes came into effect 15 December 2021.