Community input on new assistance animals draft policy

THE Tweed Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its new draft policy regarding Assistance Animals in Council Places.

The draft outlines standards for animals to access public spaces where pets are generally not allowed, such as libraries, pools, parks, community halls, holiday parks and cultural venues.

Council manager of inclusive and creative communities, Shannon Carruth, said the policy would assist the community when using the council’s public spaces.

“This draft policy aims to provide greater clarity and consistency – for people with disability who rely on assistance animals, council staff and the broader community,” Carruth said.

“It’s about making sure people who rely on assistance animals can access public places safely and with confidence while also maintaining spaces that are welcoming for everyone.”

Developed in collaboration with the Australian Disability Network, peak disability organisations, and community members with lived experience, the policy aims to respond to growing community feedback on the lack of clear, consistent guidelines across the state.

The standards require that the animal be a dog, trained to perform specific tasks that support a person’s disability, microchipped, and clearly identified as an assistance animal, such as wearing a coat, badge, or harness.

Emotional support animals, therapy animals or pets that are not trained to the same standard as assistance animals do not have the same legal rights of access.

The council is hosting community information sessions in Tweed Heads on July 10 and in Murwillumbah on July 15, as well as an online session on July 15.

“We understand this is an issue that people care deeply about,” Carruth said.

“That’s why it’s important people give us their feedback on the draft policy, so we can get it right.”

Residents can provide feedback on the draft policy in writing or online until Friday, August 15.

For information on the policy and the information sessions, visit yoursaytweed.com.au/assistance-animals