At the 22 August Council Meeting, I will be asked to consider the revised Draft Dogs in Open Spaces Action Plan before it is again released to the community for further comment. 

It goes without saying that dogs on the Central Coast are a polarising matter, and the extensive consultation process taken by Council has been to ensure that the broad nature of perspectives on this issue are thoroughly understood and listened to. 

Many community members are dog owners whose lives are enriched by their furry family member, while other community members feel that public spaces without dogs are equally as important for the Central Coast community. 

The new, simplified Draft Plan will respond to the extensive and varied community feedback received during the first round of consultation, as well as further detailed studies on the key issues of concern (including time restricted beach access for dogs, and the suitability of off leash areas at Davistown, Terrigal and Hamlyn Terrace). 

A consultation report detailing the community input Council has received during the first round of consultation was distributed to all stakeholders who provided feedback last week, however, it’s important to note that further consultation was and is still to come.  

Last week, Council staff held workshops with key local stakeholders to review the options available for addressing the key issues of concern. I understand these workshops were well attended and have resulted in some positive outcomes and options to be considered during the next phases of exhibition.  

The August Council Meeting report will be published prior to the Council meeting by Thursday 17 August. Once published, you can view Council Meeting Business Papers (Agenda) here: centralcoast.infocouncil.biz 

It is important to note that there are currently no changes to the management of Council’s open space network. To keep up to date with the progress of Council’s Dogs in Open Spaces Action Plan, visit: yourvoiceourcoast.com/dogs

Rik Hart, Administrator