Dog control orders released for feedback

THE community has been invited to give feedback on the City of Greater Geelong’s proposed draft dog control orders, after the council resolved to put the document on public exhibition.

The city ran the Dogs in Public Places review and a round of community consultation to ensure the dog control orders in place across the municipality’s city-managed land were appropriate to how the community uses open spaces.

Community consultation ran for six weeks across July and August 2022, with engagement via an online survey, pop-up consultations with trail and reserve users, and multiple drop-in community sessions.

There were 691 respondents to the online survey, and 1,701 comments left regarding what is working well and what needs improvement.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said he was grateful for the community feedback on the important issue.

“By hearing from a mixed representation of the community, including groups with differing interests, it will help the city see what orders are or are not working for various groups, and how we may be able to achieve a better compromise on certain issues.

“This next phase of engagement will now allow additional opportunities to provide feedback on the draft dog control orders, which I encourage people with an interest in this to do.”

Among the proposed changes is the introduction of a tiered system in recognition of safety and consideration to usage in equestrian centres.

Cr Melissa Cadwell said control orders were necessary to ensure a balance between allowing dog owners to exercise their dogs and maintaining public safety.

“The adoption of dog control orders enables the city to undertake a range of compliance activities including education campaigns, patrols and enforcement.”

There are presently 35 designated places where dogs can be exercised off leash at any time in Greater Geelong, as well as many other time-share off-leash access reserves such as grassed sporting grounds.

Draft orders are open to the community for further feedback until May 26, with a report seeking adoption of final orders to be presented to the council later in 2023.

For more information on the Dogs in Public Places review and a summary report on the community consultation, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/dogorders