By Joy Button
MOST people are aware of the furore regarding the by-laws introduced by Bass Coast Council in October 2013 restricting access to Inverloch beaches for dogs on a leash.
Many people are not aware that the restrictions also cover the towns of Kilcunda, Coronet Bay, Corinella, Tenby Point and Grantville. Our communities went from open access to our beaches for dogs on a leash to access only for very restricted hours of the day.
MOST people are aware of the furore regarding the by-laws introduced by Bass Coast Council in October 2013 restricting access to Inverloch beaches for dogs on a leash.
Many people are not aware that the restrictions also cover the towns of Kilcunda, Coronet Bay, Corinella, Tenby Point and Grantville. Our communities went from open access to our beaches for dogs on a leash to access only for very restricted hours of the day.
The council website states: “Dogs are not permitted on any beaches under management of Bass Coast Shire Council (includes parts of Cape Paterson, Kilcunda, Coronet Bay, Tenby Point and Grantville) from 1 December to30 April each year (inclusive) between 8pm to 7am and 10am to 5pm. At all other times dogs are permitted on the beach but must be on a lead. Please refer to signage at beach entry points.”
The Westernport community was not notified or consulted when these by-laws were introduced. The first we knew of this was when stickers were placed over existing signage. Kilcunda residents became aware the Friday before their Lobster Festival. Coronet Bay residents became aware last Thursday. We have had no mailout or clear notification from the council even though the council has a database of mailing details for dog owners.
In response, five Coronet Bay residents have founded Sandy Paws Coronet Bay. We have written to the council and councillors and will use our Facebook page to allow the community to post and vent their dissatisfaction and to let them know important news via a daily Doggieleaks bulletin. By Friday we had 163 likes.
If you’re not happy with what the council has done, telephone, email or write to councillors to voice your views, and please like us on Facebook.
There was no trigger for this at all. There have been no incidents, no violence, no abuse during all the years of people walking dogs on the Coronet Bay beach. It’s just a kneejerk reaction.
The restrictions are total overkill. We can’t take our dogs to the sea any time after 7pm, only between 7am and 10am, and 5pm and 7pm. What is the point? Day after day, the Coronet Bay beaches are empty, except for people walking their dogs.
Joy Botton is one of the founders of Sandy Paws Coronet Bay.
COMMENTS
February 9, 2014
Both sides of the debate about dogs on beach would gain a wealth of information from a study called Living Well Together.
Auspiced by the WA government, Dr Woods demonstrates how councils can effectively meet the needs of dog owners and those who want to enjoy beach life without dogs. One of the most telling themes is "a top-down approach of imposing bans is divisive and serves to alienate and divide communities. Plans that meet the needs of both parties assist in building community cohesion, pride and social capital.”
Woods reviews the work of councils from all over Australia in implementing combinations of dog-friendly and no-dog zones in their neighbourhoods. Our council falls a long way behind in the planning and implementation of their "no-dog policies".
Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Bayside, Hobson Bay and Coffs Harbour all have a good mix of no-dog, restricted times/dates, on-lead and all year "free to roam" public spaces and beaches. These councils have embraced providing safe leash-free park areas and dog-friendly beaches scattered throughout the shire. I have been to many of these and there is good signage, the websites have great information/maps and the councils provide bags and bins for waste disposal.
This so-called trial is a failure. The council shows a lack of foresight and planning, was remiss in communication of its "trial", has conflicting advice on its signage and web page. The trial has only served to cause community unrest and distress. Councillors, read Dr Woods to see how it could be done more effectively.
A process of real community consultation and provision of safe, fenced "free to roam" parks and multi-use beaches, as well as "no dogs allowed areas", is essential to meet the varying needs of ratepayers and visitors to the Bass Coast. When the "trial" has finished, let’s hope the council will engage in some focused planning so we can "Live Well Together".
Maria Nethercott, Kilcunda
February 9, 2014
I am a little shocked and surprised to find so many dog owners/lovers are against these laws (Coronet Bay dog owners join beach fray, February 8, 2014). I am a dog lover/owner/never-could-be-without-my-dog type of person. Yet I understand that many dog owners do not properly train or restrain their dogs. This poses many problems to people attempting to enjoy our beaches. Children and adults can be, and are, at risk from dogs with owners that believe the beach belong to them.
Coroners Courts are full of such cases. Sadly others even lose their loved ones from "much loved/adored hunters/carnivores" with owners who need reinforcement of their power and control issues.
Let's be considerate and humane, please.
Kay Pam
The Westernport community was not notified or consulted when these by-laws were introduced. The first we knew of this was when stickers were placed over existing signage. Kilcunda residents became aware the Friday before their Lobster Festival. Coronet Bay residents became aware last Thursday. We have had no mailout or clear notification from the council even though the council has a database of mailing details for dog owners.
In response, five Coronet Bay residents have founded Sandy Paws Coronet Bay. We have written to the council and councillors and will use our Facebook page to allow the community to post and vent their dissatisfaction and to let them know important news via a daily Doggieleaks bulletin. By Friday we had 163 likes.
If you’re not happy with what the council has done, telephone, email or write to councillors to voice your views, and please like us on Facebook.
There was no trigger for this at all. There have been no incidents, no violence, no abuse during all the years of people walking dogs on the Coronet Bay beach. It’s just a kneejerk reaction.
The restrictions are total overkill. We can’t take our dogs to the sea any time after 7pm, only between 7am and 10am, and 5pm and 7pm. What is the point? Day after day, the Coronet Bay beaches are empty, except for people walking their dogs.
Joy Botton is one of the founders of Sandy Paws Coronet Bay.
COMMENTS
February 9, 2014
Both sides of the debate about dogs on beach would gain a wealth of information from a study called Living Well Together.
Auspiced by the WA government, Dr Woods demonstrates how councils can effectively meet the needs of dog owners and those who want to enjoy beach life without dogs. One of the most telling themes is "a top-down approach of imposing bans is divisive and serves to alienate and divide communities. Plans that meet the needs of both parties assist in building community cohesion, pride and social capital.”
Woods reviews the work of councils from all over Australia in implementing combinations of dog-friendly and no-dog zones in their neighbourhoods. Our council falls a long way behind in the planning and implementation of their "no-dog policies".
Mornington Peninsula, Frankston, Bayside, Hobson Bay and Coffs Harbour all have a good mix of no-dog, restricted times/dates, on-lead and all year "free to roam" public spaces and beaches. These councils have embraced providing safe leash-free park areas and dog-friendly beaches scattered throughout the shire. I have been to many of these and there is good signage, the websites have great information/maps and the councils provide bags and bins for waste disposal.
This so-called trial is a failure. The council shows a lack of foresight and planning, was remiss in communication of its "trial", has conflicting advice on its signage and web page. The trial has only served to cause community unrest and distress. Councillors, read Dr Woods to see how it could be done more effectively.
A process of real community consultation and provision of safe, fenced "free to roam" parks and multi-use beaches, as well as "no dogs allowed areas", is essential to meet the varying needs of ratepayers and visitors to the Bass Coast. When the "trial" has finished, let’s hope the council will engage in some focused planning so we can "Live Well Together".
Maria Nethercott, Kilcunda
February 9, 2014
I am a little shocked and surprised to find so many dog owners/lovers are against these laws (Coronet Bay dog owners join beach fray, February 8, 2014). I am a dog lover/owner/never-could-be-without-my-dog type of person. Yet I understand that many dog owners do not properly train or restrain their dogs. This poses many problems to people attempting to enjoy our beaches. Children and adults can be, and are, at risk from dogs with owners that believe the beach belong to them.
Coroners Courts are full of such cases. Sadly others even lose their loved ones from "much loved/adored hunters/carnivores" with owners who need reinforcement of their power and control issues.
Let's be considerate and humane, please.
Kay Pam