The Rural City of Murray Bridge initiative is now underway as the result of a recommendation from a Dogs in Public Places: Off-Leash Opportunities Study, undertaken last year as part of the Council’s Animal Management Plan.
Manager Development and Regulations Sally Roberts said the New Dogs Off-Leash Trial consultation opened today and the Council was eager to receive community feedback about how well the initiative was working.
“More off-leash opportunities in the community were supported by 83% of people surveyed in the Off-Leash Opportunities study, with a high preference for locations along the riverfront,” she said.
“Avoca Dell and Tumbella Drive Reserves were identified as the most suitable places for a trial but with the flood last summer impeding access, an extension to the trial is proposed and we are really keen to hear how people respond to the opportunity this summer.
“Council is working to establish a network of suitable places where people can safely exercise their dogs off-leash, to improve the health, fitness and general wellbeing of our furry friends and their owners.”
Ms Roberts said a survey was being circulated to gather valuable insights about the trial, reserve use, community impact, suggestions for improvement and overall satisfaction.
She said the Council was particularly eager to hear from residents, dog owners, reserve enthusiasts and all community members using the trial areas, or who plan to use them in the future.
Public consultation opens today and will close 5pm Sunday 30 June 2024 when the trial also ends.
The New Dogs Off-Leash Parks Trial consultation documents and feedback form are available on Council’s consultation portal letstalk.sa.gov.au, and paper copies can be found at the Local Government Centre and the Murray Bridge Library.
