Council is calling on the community to give feedback into a trial for two new off-leash dog parks in the Hurstville Ward that will commence on 1 October 2022.
The trial at Merv Lynch Reserve, Beverly Hills, and Hurstville Park, Hurstville will go ahead to meet increasing community demand for more open spaces for community members, and their animal companions for passive and active recreation.
Council will place posters with QR codes at the locations so community members can be informed of the proposal and lodge their feedback on the spot.
Council is inviting pet owners to upload their comments and pictures of their pets using these parks during the trial to the Your Say section on Council's webpage and app.
Under the NSW Companion Animals Act, Councils are required to provide at least one designated dog off-leash area within their local government. Council currently provides nine designated off leash areas, located across Peakhurst, Blakehurst and Kogarah Bay Wards. There are no dog off leash areas in either the Hurstville or Mortdale Wards.
After extensive officer investigations, no suitable locations were identified in the Mortdale Ward. Merv Lynch Reserve was chosen for the trial due to its location being on the border of the Hurstville and Mortdale Wards and its suitability to accommodate an off-leash area with minimum impact to other users.
The trial period let's Council monitor maintenance requirements, participation rates and on-going costs.
Georges River Council Mayor Nick Katris said, "COVID-19 lockdowns have highlighted the value and diversity of our open spaces to the local community and their companions for use of active and passive recreation.
"I urge the community to get involved with the trial and submit feedback about your experience; we take your comments into serious consideration when planning for the area."
