Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, today thanked everyone who has provided feedback on new proposed dog exercise area maps and reminded Canberrans that there are two weeks left to have their say.
The dog exercise area maps define where people can take their dogs, showing on and off-leash areas as well as areas where dogs are prohibited.
“Almost 800 people have completed the survey so far, with the submissions providing local knowledge that is essential to better understand how the community uses the different areas,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“A number of drop-in information sessions have been arranged to let people know about the consultation, advise people on how they can have their say, and display the proposed maps.
“There are four information sessions remaining in Dickson, Greenway, Mount Rogers and Barton. On Thursday 24 July between 3 pm and 5 pm a drop-in session will be held in the open space between the Dickson wetlands and Dickson district playing fields (off Hawdon Street). This is a popular dog walking area and I encourage people in the area to drop-in, view the maps, ask questions, and provide feedback.
“Currently, it is proposed that dogs will be prohibited from the water component of Canberra wetlands both to help protect native wildlife, and due to occasional high nutrient levels in the water which can be detrimental to the health of dogs. The area around the wetlands is proposed as a dog on-leash area due to the high numbers of walkers and cyclists.
“All input from the consultation will help determine any changes to dog exercise areas so that, when finalised, they provide a suitable balance between providing spaces for dogs to be exercised on and off-leash, while also protecting the natural environment and the ability of others to enjoy recreational spaces.
“Changes to the maps can only be made through amendments to the Domestic Animals Act, and this process will not commence until all feedback has been thoroughly reviewed.
“The ACT Government is committed to promoting responsible dog ownership and, as regular exercise is a key component of this, it recognises the importance of providing suitable and safe areas to walk our four-legged friends both on and off-leash,” Mr Rattenbury concluded.
To view the maps and access more information about the project, including a question and answer sheet and a full list of drop-in information sessions, visit www.timetotalk.act.gov.au. Alternatively, people can pick up a hardcopy survey from their local public library. Consultation closes 5.30 pm Friday 1 August 2014.
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