Three inner west parks to get off leash dog areas
Three permanent off-leash areas have been approved without any bark-lash. But dog owners are having a ruff time convincing sports groups to let their pooches run free at a Five Dock park.
THREE permanent off-leash areas were approved without any bark-lash; at Kendall Reserve in Cabarita and Lower Phoenix and King George V parks in Rhodes.
But dog owners are having a ruff time convincing sports groups to let their pooches run free at Timbrell Park.
Canada Bay council on Tuesday backed a proposal by Cr Julia Little to further consult the community and hold another off-leash trial, this time for four months, at the Five Dock park.
This was after about a dozen dog owners hightailed it to the meeting to unleash their opposition to a staff recommendation to de-fur the matter.
Joy Allen read out an entertaining poem calling on all stakeholders to work together so the massive space can be shared by all.
“Like any shared space, there may sometimes be conflict,” she said. “But seriously neighbours, let’s not judge too quick.
“As dog walkers we meet early, let our dogs run and play. We pick up rubbish from last night’s sporting groups, along the way.
“The sports groups have said they don’t want Timbrell off-lead. But it’s a park, not an exclusive sports oval and to that they must cede.
“Surely sports groups won’t have the majority say. After all, we are the residents and our rates we do pay.”
Several dog owners suggested their four legged friends could go on the lead when there is organised sport at the park, where there was no sport happening when the Courier visited on Wednesday.
Of 152 submissions, 86 per cent were supportive of a permanent off leash area during a one month trial which ended on November 20.
This did not include a petition, submitted anonymously but signed by 130 people, opposing the move.
Tensions are high between competing users with Gavin Dodds telling the meeting there had been a recent incident where a driver mounted the kerb and drove across the park towards a group of dogs.
Balmain Touch Associaton president Paul Robinson said they often found poo on the field and had to fill in holes dug by dogs to prevent ankle injuries.
Mr Robinson said their seniors use the field for 40 weeks of the year while 2000 juniors play there on Monday afternoons.
“There’s sport down there nearly every day; it’s the busiest park in the municipality,” he said.
“It’s already a problem with dogs running across the field so it’s completely illogical to let the dogs off leash when the design and size of the park allows dogs to get out of control very quickly.
“There are plenty of other parks that get used less than Timbrell that provide a more controlled environment.”
He suggested Nield Park, Rodd Point NSW would be more suitable as its easier for to contain dogs and is only used for soccer.
Objections were also received from the Inner West Harbour Cricket Association and Iron Cove Cricket Club and the space is also for football, baseball, fitness groups, golfers and local schools.
Staff will aim to start the trial before Christmas but will first consult with park users before setting a date.
‘A bit close’: Stars, standouts as Waratahs continue Super Rugby U19s march
The Waratahs have continued their match towards the decider of the Super Rugby U19s but there’s still things that need to be sorted. Stars, standouts, great photos from battle with Reds.
Heartbreaker! Rising stars of Waratahs, Reds rugby in U15s boilover
There was heartbreak for one and elation for the other. The annual battle between the Waratahs and Reds U15s had it all, including a match clinching last minute penalty.