Supplementary Agenda

An Ordinary Meeting of the Bega Valley Shire Council will be held at Council Chambers, Biamanga Room Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre Bega on
Wednesday, 19 February 2020 commencing at 2.00 pm to consider and resolve
on the matters set out in the attached Agenda.

To:

Cr Kristy McBain, Mayor

Cr Sharon Tapscott, Deputy Mayor

Cr Tony Allen

Cr Robyn Bain

Cr Jo Dodds

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick

Cr Cathy Griff

Cr Mitchell Nadin

Cr Liz Seckold

Copy:

General Manager, Ms Leanne Barnes

Director, Assets and Operations, Mr Anthony McMahon

Director, Community, Environment and Planning, Dr Alice Howe

Director, Business and Governance, Mrs Iliada Bolton

Manager, Communications and Events, Mr Ian Campbell

Minute Secretary, Mrs Bec Jones

Council 19 February 2020

Item 1.1

1.1. Cr Mitchell Nadin - Off Leash Areas

Notice of Motion

1. That Council make the following changes to the Companion Animals Control Areas procedure:

1.1. Tathra area:

A. Lions Park (near Mogareeka), which is currently a DOG PROHIBITED area be changed to DOG ON LEASH (Fig A);

B. The old punt landing on the south west side of the Bega River (H, which is currently DOG PROHIBITED be changed to DOG OFF LEASH (Fig A);

C. Mogareeka reserve, on the north east side of Bega River in the vicinity of Bay Drive, which is currently DOG PROHIBITED be changed to DOG ON LEASH (Fig A);

D. Kianniny Reserve, which is currently DOG PROHIBITED be changed to DOG OFF LEASH (Fig B);

1.2. Pambula Beach area:

B. Pambula River mouth, which is currently DOG PROHIBITED be changed to DOG ON LEASH (Fig C).

1.3. Merimbula:

A. Spencer Park, which is currently DOG PROHIBITED be changed to DOG ON LEASH.

2. That Council consider further consultation with communities in Eden and Bermagui.

Background

On October 31 council resolved to publicly exhibit a draft Companion Animals Control Areas Procedure. There were 44 submissions received, including 27 written submissions and 17 via Council’s “Have your say” social media platform. They were summarised in the May 8 Council meeting agenda.

On May 8 council adopted a new version of the Procedure (4.06.6) and rescinded the previous version.

Subsequently staff erected new signs or replaced signs across the shire to distinguish areas that are dog prohibited; dog on leash; and dog off leash. Many areas across the shire were unaffected by the updated policy, however the heightened awareness of new signage left many residents shocked at the policy reality of recreational areas in their neighbourhood.

In addition, some residents have taken issue with Council’s changes to the policy, which in some cases they claim is inconsistent with the Companion Animals Act 1998.

As such, I spoke with various groups across the shire who have proposed some modest changes to Council’s Companion Animals Control Areas Procedure. See appendix A where an explanation of the suggested changes is provided along with maps.

For clarity, I have separated the recommendations into three geographic areas across the shire.

It’s worth noting that all residents have been supportive of the protection of wildlife and shared areas in the community and have been mindful to make the recommendations as inclusive as possible. Inevitably, the Bega Valley Shire is a dog-friendly community that values

Cr Mitchell Nadin

Attachments

1 ⇩. Annexure A - Off Leash Areas and Diagrams

Council	19 February 2020
*Item 1.1 - Attachment 1*	Annexure A - Off Leash Areas and Diagrams

Supplementary Agenda

To:

Copy: