Draft Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy

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Consultation has concluded

Our Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy outlines where dogs are permitted and the conditions under which they are allowed in public spaces. Recently, we asked you about your experiences to assist us in reviewing our current Policy. From your feedback, we've developed a Draft Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy and we would love to hear your thoughts!

Understanding how these spaces are used will also assist in future planning for our region's growing canine population and the enjoyment of our whole community in our open spaces.

All feedback received has been considered and will assist us with future education programs to ensure our guidelines for dogs in public areas are understood and everyone can enjoy our open spaces safely.

Proposed changes to the Draft Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy include:

  • Document updated to new policy format
  • Due to the complaints received by Council and National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) regarding the off-leash section of Washhouse Beach, to reduce confusion, and allow NPWS management programs to be implemented, Washhouse Beach will be reclassified from Off-Leash to Prohibited.

The Policy reviews are the first step of Council’s broader review of Beach Management, including signage and community education.

Public Exhibition

The Draft Policy is on public exhibition until midnight Monday 21 June. There are a number of ways for you to find out more and have your say.

You can view the current Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy, Draft Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy and a summary of results from our previous engagement in the Document Library (located to the right of your screen or below if viewing this page on a mobile device). You can also pick up a hard copy of these documents from one of our customer service centres.

  • Complete our online survey (available by using the submission tab below).
  • Visit us at our pop-up on Saturday 5 June, 11am-1pm at Lighthouse Beach (vehicle access point end).
  • Visit us at our pop-up on Tuesday 15 June, 1:30pm-3:30pm at Washhouse Beach, Dunbogan.
  • Register for our online community meeting on Tuesday 15 June, 5pm-7pm via Zoom. This meeting will also include the Draft Beach Driving Policy.
  • Drop off your feedback over the counter at any Customer Service Centre, email it to engagement@pmhc.nsw.gov.au or post it to: CEO, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, PO Box 84, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.

Our Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy outlines where dogs are permitted and the conditions under which they are allowed in public spaces. Recently, we asked you about your experiences to assist us in reviewing our current Policy. From your feedback, we've developed a Draft Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy and we would love to hear your thoughts!

Understanding how these spaces are used will also assist in future planning for our region's growing canine population and the enjoyment of our whole community in our open spaces.

All feedback received has been considered and will assist us with future education programs to ensure our guidelines for dogs in public areas are understood and everyone can enjoy our open spaces safely.

Proposed changes to the Draft Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy include:

  • Document updated to new policy format
  • Due to the complaints received by Council and National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) regarding the off-leash section of Washhouse Beach, to reduce confusion, and allow NPWS management programs to be implemented, Washhouse Beach will be reclassified from Off-Leash to Prohibited.

The Policy reviews are the first step of Council’s broader review of Beach Management, including signage and community education.

Public Exhibition

The Draft Policy is on public exhibition until midnight Monday 21 June. There are a number of ways for you to find out more and have your say.

You can view the current Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy, Draft Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy and a summary of results from our previous engagement in the Document Library (located to the right of your screen or below if viewing this page on a mobile device). You can also pick up a hard copy of these documents from one of our customer service centres.

  • Complete our online survey (available by using the submission tab below).
  • Visit us at our pop-up on Saturday 5 June, 11am-1pm at Lighthouse Beach (vehicle access point end).
  • Visit us at our pop-up on Tuesday 15 June, 1:30pm-3:30pm at Washhouse Beach, Dunbogan.
  • Register for our online community meeting on Tuesday 15 June, 5pm-7pm via Zoom. This meeting will also include the Draft Beach Driving Policy.
  • Drop off your feedback over the counter at any Customer Service Centre, email it to engagement@pmhc.nsw.gov.au or post it to: CEO, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, PO Box 84, Port Macquarie NSW 2444.