The number of dogs that call Lake Macquarie home has soared to new heights since people turned to canine companionship during the pandemic.

Ninety-three-thousand pooches now call the city home – it’s the second largest number of any local government area in the state.

In response to this, Lake Macquarie City Council is preparing to launch a new Dogs in Open Space Strategy to cater for the region’s four-legged friends.

At the moment there are 29 off-leash areas around the city- the new strategy will help council redesign existing sites and develop plans for new parks.

Dog owner Dominic May is one of thousands of locals who use existing off-leash areas to exercise and socialise their pets.

“We love visiting the areas that are enclosed, because we know it’s safe for our golden retriever, Arlo, and for other dogs he’s playing with,” Mr May said.

Fellow dog owner Glenn Brockman also supported the introduction of new off-leash areas.

“Our favourite thing is that our dogs Camden and Brixton, feel safe in the space, to exercise, roam freely and socialise with all dogs big and small,” he said.

Council is now seeking public input to develop the strategy and gain an understanding of how off-leash areas should be used.

Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said feedback is welcome from dog and non-dog owners to find out what would work well in the area.

“The strategy will aim to provide safe and inviting spaces for dogs and owners, while balancing the recreational needs of the wider community,” she said.

“Companion animals are an important part of their families’ lives and we need to provide facilities for them to be exercised freely where possible, practical and safe to do so.”

Feedback received will be coupled with analysis and best practice research to develop a draft framework for the Dogs in Open Space Strategy.

Once adopted, it will guide the council for the next decade.

Residents can have their say through an online survey and online map, while hard copy feedback forms can be found at all Lake Mac libraries.

In-person pop-up sessions will also be held in early March. Go to shape.lakemac.com.au/dogs for more information. 

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