Further investigations will guide a decision about an off-leash dog park in Port Macquarie.
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A concept for an off-leash dog park at The Boom Reserve is on hold pending further investigation on whether the proposal can provide for off-street parking.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s general manager has been asked to investigate whether there are more suitable alternatives for an off-leash dog park in Port Macquarie.
A concept plan relies on visitors parking on streets surrounding The Boom Reserve.
A report to the March council meeting said that was considered to be a limitation within the proposal following further site inspections and community consultation.
Sally Murphy said she had spoken with other residents in the area who were not happy with the dog park proposal at The Boom Reserve.
“I’m supportive of a proposal for an off-leash dog park in Port Macquarie, just not there,” she said.
She raised concerns about the impact on wildlife, parking and traffic, general risks and the facility’s design and management.
Geoff Perry, who spoke in favour of the deferral, raised issues including access points, koalas and traffic.
“It’s a unique place, and let’s face it, we still need a little bit of that in Port Macquarie,” he said.
Cr Rob Turner said The Boom Reserve was very much a local reserve for local residents.
“I thought maybe a dog park could be part of that, but on balance, I think it would be much better to investigate further to look at parking and deferring it seems sensible for the time being,” he said.
The council decided seven years ago to locate off-leash dog parks at Port Macquarie, Camden Haven and Wauchope.
The Boom Reserve was selected as a suitable site after community consultation.
Mayor Peta Pinson said while she was disappointed the pause button had been pressed on the project, she thought the decision was responsible.
“What we find ourselves with at this moment in time is traffic problems and parking congestion,” she said.
“We really need to look at that prior to development because this issue affects us well into the future.”
Cr Pinson said it was now about how parking could be addressed, and if it could not be addressed, let’s find another site where parking won’t be a problem, and let’s get on with it.
The concept plan at The Boom Reserve takes into account ideas provided by supporters of the park.
These include two enclosures, dog agility equipment, shade tree plantings, signs, drinking fountains with dog bowls and bins with dog waste bag dispenser.
Another report will come back to a council meeting with the investigation findings.