Following the allocation of $400,000 in funding, Northern Beaches Council has confirmed it will develop a four year plan to guide upgrades to its unleashed dog exercise areas.

Mayor Michael Regan said Council was working towards an integrated and improved approach to dog management, including its unleashed dog exercise areas.

“We recognise the benefits of unleashed dog exercise areas and we are striving to balance the needs of dog owners with those of the wider community.

“Recent research and community feedback indicates the importance of this issue and we will respond by making improvements in the facilities available for dogs and their owners,” Mayor Regan said.

The four year plan will be developed by mid-2018 based on the principles outlined in report prepared for consideration at Council’s February meeting.

Research was undertaken on dog parks operating successfully in other locations and identified common features including the provision of social opportunities for dogs and their owners; well maintained, high quality infrastructure; connections to local facilities; and management of safety issues.

A draft integrated policy for dog management and unleashed dog exercise areas will also be presented to Council for consideration by September 2018.

Council is currently undertaking other initiatives to improve unleashed dog exercise areas across the Northern Beaches including trialling an unleashed dog park at Avalon Beach Reserve until July 2018. Comments are also open until Sunday 11 March for the Manly Lagoon Reserve Landscape Plan.