Council Law Change Outcome for Dog Walkers in Point Cartwright
Nov
4
Written by:
Friday, November 04, 2011 4:38 PM
Thanks to all those people who took up the chance to attend the council decision making process. The final results are in and published, and the new laws will come into place on January 1st, 2012.
Note that the new laws being voted on by Council were quite comprehensive, and the off-leash dog areas was only part of that process.
The results are as follows:
The off-leash arrangements for the Point Cartwright reserve area will remain as they are. This means there is no change to the 4pm - 8am timescale for off-leash exercise of dogs
La Balsa park will revert to being on-leash for all dogs at all times. The 4pm-8am rule for Pt Cartwright reserve applies only to the reserve, which starts in the area past the 'exercise equipment'.
Dogs will be banned in all cafes across the Sunshine Coast, regardless of the cafe owner or managers choice
Please see the map to the right for a detailed map of the off-leash areas. Note that the centre part of Point Cartwright reserve (yellow area) has become a 24 hour off-leash exercise area. The Green area throughout La Balsa park shows the on-leash at all times area.
Is this a win?
Well, naturally in a topic like this everyone has a slightly different position. It's not what we had hoped for. But it's a large improvement on the original proposal as it keeps the large and varied terrain of Point Cartwright free for dogs to get their daily exercise without having their owners tied to them.
The loss of La Balsa park as a accessible, flat and paved off-leash walking area will be felt by many who use this area daily.
One thing is for sure, nothing would have changed without the efforts of everyone who took the time to make sure their voice was heard. Your constant letters and emails to the paper and the Council, and the overwhelming amount of well written submissions have tipped the balance away from the people who would like to see all dogs behind fences at all times. This is people power at it's best, and it's had the side effect of bringing members of the dog-walking community even close together.
What's next?
The fight to keep and gain rights for dog owners will probably never stop all the while there are people with irrational beliefs and fears in the community. The issue of dogs being allowed in cafes at the owners discretion is one that needs to be fought on a statewide level.
In La Balsa park and Point Cartwright, it will be important to monitor what new signage and facilities the council erects in accordance with the new laws.
But for the moment, time for a well-earned rest from all those who put their shoulder behind the campaign to save the off-leash areas on behalf of your pets. You've done them and yourself proud, and thank you very much for all your efforts.