Have your say on dog walking areas across the shire

Published on 16 February 2021

Dog on beach

What needs to be changed when it comes to walking your dog across the shire?

Kempsey Shire Council is reviewing the locations of council managed on and off-leash dog exercise areas as well as the signage and infrastructure located at and around those areas.

As a result, Council has been working with key stakeholders including animal groups and other government bodies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service and is now seeking input and suggestions from the community.

The dog exercise areas open for feedback are:

  • Mattys Flat
  • Trial Bay, South West Rocks
  • Back Creek Beach, South West Rocks
  • Hat Head
  • Killick Beach, Crescent Head

Council’s Team Leader – Ranger Team, Shaun Tomaszewski, said changes have been proposed to several specific Council-managed dog exercise areas in our shire and the community is invited to have a say.  

“Council realises that many of the dog walking rules in the shire are overly complex or out of date and have caused confusion amongst residents about where and when they can walk their dogs,” he said.

“To do the review process properly and get the best outcome, Council wants to hear from the community on the preferred layout options, as well as suggestions for infrastructure that may need to be put in place to support responsible dog walking in these locations.

“While Council doesn’t have any proposed changes for areas like South Kempsey Park, Riverside Park, Stuarts Point or Grassy Head, we are open to suggestions for improvements or if there are other places residents believe are in need of dog exercise areas.”

Residents can have their say via Council’s online engagement website, Your Say Macleay, from now through to 26 March 2021.

Council staff will also be available in person at different locations and times to answer questions and take feedback directly from the community at the following locations and times:

  • Crescent Head - 24/2, 10am-2pm *at the SLSC next to the Mobile Service Desk
  • Crescent Head - 27/2, 8am-10am at the Foreshore
  • South West Rocks - 20/2, 8am-10am at the Shelter next to the Surf Lifesaving Club
  • South West Rocks - 25/2, 10am-12pm at Back Creek
  • Hat Head - 3/3, 10am-12pm at the BBQ Shelter (Weather Shed) near the Boat Ramp
  • Hat Head - 6/3, 8am-10am at the BBQ Shelter (Weather Shed) near the Boat Ramp
  • Stuarts Point - 10/3, 10am-12pm at the Foreshore on the Stage next to the Mobile Service Desk
  • Kempsey - 9/3, 10am-12pm at the off-leash dog exercise area under the Shelter
  • Kempsey - 13/3, 8am-10am at the off-leash dog exercise area under the Shelter

*updated location

For more information on the locations, dates and times of the face-to-face engagement go to: https://yoursay.macleay.nsw.gov.au/pets

There will be an opportunity for further community feedback when the revised plans go on public exhibition after the April Council meeting. 

Tagged as:
Back to top