“Port Macquarie and its surrounding suburbs do not have a single off leash dog park,” Kate McKinnon said. 

“A dog park is needed to give all members of the community and visitors to the area an accessible place to exercise their dogs.”

Ms McKinnon started an online petition to highlight to the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council the importance of providing dog parks and the community's support. 

Ms McKinnon said council has already conducted community consultation regarding off leash dog parks within the region. 

“They’ve done all the ground work but as yet nothing has been put in place,” she said. 

Ms McKinnon said The Boom Reserve in Port Macquarie, Bain Park in Wauchope and Henry Kendall Reserve in West Haven have been highlighted as the areas where a dog park would occur. 

At the moment allocated dog beaches are the only areas where dogs can currently exercise off a leash. 

Ms McKinnon said some beaches are not accessible to the elderly and people with disabilities due to lack of adequate parking, stairs and uneven ground.

“A dog park would provide a great alternative to the beach which would be accessible to all residents and visitors to the area,” she said.

“I can't get to the beach daily with my dog, due to parking, weather and the mess and washing needed after my dog swims in the ocean and rolls in the sand.

“Fenced dog parks provide the opportunity for residents and their dogs to exercise and socialise in a safe space with easy access.”

Ms McKinnon is planning to meet with members of the Port Macquarie-Council to further discuss the issue. 

On its website council said it acknowledges the need for some park based leash free areas.

“Over the coming years, council will allocate park based areas in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton where people can exercise their dogs leash free,” a statement reads. 

For more information regarding dog friendly areas people can visit www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au