Draft Dogs in Public Spaces Policy

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The intent of this policy is to guide the management and control of dogs in open space areas in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area (LGA).

An important aspect of the management of dogs in open spaces is the suitable provision of accessible 'off leash' dog exercise areas balanced with appropriately identified and managed dog exclusion areas to support the whole community and protect the natural environment.

The purpose of establishing dog friendly areas is to provide appropriate locations to facilitate opportunities for socialisation and exercise.

This policy applies to all public land within our LGA and identifies where dogs are permitted and any specific conditions relating to dogs in public areas.

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Declare and regulate clearly identified dog off leash exercise areas across the LGA
  • Support and promote the social value of responsible dog ownership and adherence to relevant legislation
  • Manage risk and minimise nuisance caused by dogs to the public
  • Ensure the public recreational and environmental values of open space areas are retained.

Have your say

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this draft policy by:

Comments should be received no later than 5pm on 28 April 2025.


The intent of this policy is to guide the management and control of dogs in open space areas in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area (LGA).

An important aspect of the management of dogs in open spaces is the suitable provision of accessible 'off leash' dog exercise areas balanced with appropriately identified and managed dog exclusion areas to support the whole community and protect the natural environment.

The purpose of establishing dog friendly areas is to provide appropriate locations to facilitate opportunities for socialisation and exercise.

This policy applies to all public land within our LGA and identifies where dogs are permitted and any specific conditions relating to dogs in public areas.

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Declare and regulate clearly identified dog off leash exercise areas across the LGA
  • Support and promote the social value of responsible dog ownership and adherence to relevant legislation
  • Manage risk and minimise nuisance caused by dogs to the public
  • Ensure the public recreational and environmental values of open space areas are retained.

Have your say

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this draft policy by:

Comments should be received no later than 5pm on 28 April 2025.


  • Survey

    Writing a submission is one way of sharing your views and opinions with Council. All submissions are considered before making a decision and your submission may be included in a report to Council. 

    Submissions close at 5pm on 28 April 2025.

    Note: Information collected via submissions and petitions is public information, this information may form part of Council reports or made public in their entirety subject to the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 or the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act). You may request, in writing, that Council suppress the personal information in your submission from public release, if you consider that the personal safety of any person would be affected if the information was not suppressed Any such request will be dealt with in accordance with the GIPA Act and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. 

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Page last updated: 11 Apr 2025, 02:47 PM