Council is developing a Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy to provide guidance for the development, improvement, and management of dog-friendly areas within the Kiama Local Government Area (LGA).
This Strategy outlines specific objectives:
- To find a balance between the needs of dog owners and those of the wider community, ensuring parks are accessible and safe for everyone.
- To ensure compliance with legislative requirements.
- To identify any gaps in dog-friendly spaces provision and ensure fair distribution across the LGA.
- To plan for dog-friendly areas in consideration of expected population growth and trends in dog ownership.
The Draft Strategy also includes various actions to be carried out over the next decade. These actions are categorised into short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals, aligning with the timelines of the Council's Operational Plan, Delivery Program, and Community Strategic Plan.
Phase 1: Community Consultation
Between 23 February - 22 March 2024, we asked you to have your say to shape the Draft Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy.
During the consultation, we received 533 survey responses, including two submissions. We also gathered insights from our Compliance, Property, and Engineering staff regarding the challenges they face. Additionally, we reviewed previous community correspondence to the Council, including complaints, reports of dog attacks, and general feedback on dogs in public spaces, to help inform the Strategy.
See the Community Engagement Report(PDF, 506KB) for a full summary of the feedback and insights received during the Community Consultation.
Phase 2: Public Exhibition
Between 22 June and 21 July 2024, we invite you to review the Draft Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy(PDF, 824KB) and share your thoughts before it's made final!
Next Steps
1. Consideration feedback
Any feedback received during the exhibition period will be considered, and where required, the Draft Strategy will be updated accordingly.
2. Council endorsement
The final Strategy will be reported back to Council for adoption, including a Community Engagement Report outlining how feedback received during the Public Exhibition shaped the Strategy.
How to have your say
Review the Draft Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy(PDF, 824KB) and make a submission:
Online submission form
Or alternatively:
Consultation closes at 5pm on 21 July 2024.
Thank you in advance for your participation and please subscribe to this page to keep up to date on our progress.