Councillors allay dog park fears

Bunbury City Council has sought to allay public fears that the city's only fenced dog exercise area will be off-limits when a dog club relocates there.

The council has issued a statement to reassure dog owners that the Bunbury and Districts Dog Club and the general public can co-exist at the Parade Road exercise park in Withers.

Ratepayers raised concerns with the council after learning in a Bunbury Herald article that the dog club would relocate from Hay Park to the popular dog park for training and shows.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the club used Hay Park from 6pm-9pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 9am-11am Sundays, as well as for one-off events throughout the year.

This would still leave a "great deal of time" for residents if the arrangement was continued at the Parade Road dog park. He said the council also planned to clearly state on signs the times the dog club would use the park.

"This is exactly the same situation as a football ground, for example," Mr Brennan said.

"Clubs book the oval for exclusive use at particular times and the public can make use of the area at any time outside these periods."

Mr Brennan admitted he was surprised at the popularity of the park - which has become so well-used that the council wants to install another entrance.

"The fenced dog exercise area on Parade Road was built with the public and dog club taken into consideration and we are confident all users would be able to work with these arrangements without the potential for conflict," he said.

"It would also present an excellent opportunity for the dog club to attract new members, as they would be far more visible to the general public in this location."

Council works and services director Phil Harris has asked the public to use the netball club's car park rather than parking on Parade Road.

"City staff are currently investigating the parking situation in this area to ensure it is safe for everyone," Mr Harris said.