Are there enough shared dog spaces in Port Stephens?
That’s one of the questions being asked by council as it opened a new online survey this week.
And, the feedback will help the organisation develop a Dogs in Public Places Plan.
It’ll set out where canines can run off-leash, where they must be kept safely on a lead, and where restrictions are required to accommodate the needs of the wider community and environment.
Residents can share their thoughts via council’s Have Your Say website until 7 July.
Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson admitted the blueprint aimed to balance community recreation with environmental conservation to ensure public land was shared safely and fairly.
“Most of us consider our dogs to be part of the family, just as I do with my pooch, Honey,” she said.
“They give us a great reason to get outside, get active and socialise.
“With more people and pets enjoying our outdoor spaces, it is important we find a fair balance, so these areas remain welcoming for all members of our community.
“We need local knowledge to understand what’s working well and what’s causing concern across our 17 dog-friendly locales.
“We want honest feedback on where canines should be welcomed, where we need new areas and where they should be restricted.”
Popular off-leash dog spaces include Bagnalls Beach, Birubi Beach and Boat Harbour.
Existing state regulations will remain unchanged.
NSW laws prohibit domestic dogs from entering National Parks, state conservation areas and designated wildlife protection zones.
“The new plan focuses entirely on spaces managed directly by council, including parks, reserves, sports fields, foreshores and beaches,” Cr Anderson said.
“It aligns with our 10-year Community Strategic Plan and directly responds to feedback from 2,300 residents in the 2024 Liveability Survey, which identified personal safety and the condition of public open spaces as top priorities.”
For more news stories:
- Union calls for greater ‘protection’ after bus driver assaulted in Newcastle
- Woolies, Dan Murphy’s and Aldi anchor $180m Chisholm shopping centre
- Family’s ePetition to toughen ‘hit and run’ laws hits 20,000 signatures
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
