New dog orders adopted for northern Bellarine

THE City of Greater Geelong Council has adopted new dog orders for public spaces in the northern Bellarine.

The dog orders, which were reviewed and adopted by the council in August (and which are different to the “Draft Dog Controls in Public Places Policy”, see other story this page), are the result of extensive community consultation coordinated by Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee and the city.

As a consequence of this valued community feedback, the originally exhibited draft dog orders were amended.

The newly adopted orders will start to be implemented and enforced by the city later this year.

Director of Planning and Development Joanne Van Slageren said she was pleased the community had been heavily involved in shaping the dog orders that council had adopted.

“We will provide further information and advice later in the year when we move to implement and enforce the new orders,” Ms Van Slageren said.

In the meantime, both organisations will work with the community to design and deliver an engaging and accessible community education and awareness program.

The new dog orders for the northern Bellarine will offer fair and equitable access to public open space for all users. In recognition of the local lifestyle and semi-rural character of the communities, the new orders offer flexibility and opportunities for people to exercise their dogs in a responsible manner that respects the safety of the wider ommunity.

To view the new orders and to keep up to date with plans for implementation and the engagement activities, visit geelongaustralia.com.au or bellarinebayside.com.au.