Council developed a Draft Dogs In Open Space Action Plan (DIOSAP) in 2022 to improve opportunities for Off Leash Areas on the Central Coast. 

This Draft Action Plan aimed to ensure that Council has a well-considered long-term framework for future land planning, management and prioritisation of infrastructure, whilst also providing clear criteria and direction for development to ensure there are adequate areas to accommodate dog exercise locally. 

It’s important to understand your responsibilities as a dog owner when taking your pet to public spaces, so that the whole community can enjoy safe and peaceful access to our beaches, parks and open spaces. 

This first version of the Draft Plan was publicly exhibited between 1 July and 5pm 26 August 2022 to provide opportunity for community to provide input and feedback on the allocation of dedicated off-leash (OLAs) and fence off-leash (FOLAs), to provide areas for pets to enjoy some time off-leash, under the close supervision of their owner. 

Consultation outcomes reporting

Thank you to those who provided feedback on the first version of the draft Dogs In Open Space Action Plan. 

We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how Council should manage dogs in open space and acknowledge that it is a complex and important issue.

The feedback you provided was used to refine the actions and inform the revised Dogs In Open Space Action Plan which is on public exhibition between 1 September and 1 October 2023.

We have completed a consultation summary which provides a high-level overview of the numerical feedback collected during the first round of consultation, this can be viewed here. 

A detailed consultation report which provides a detailed analysis of what we heard during the first round of consultation is also available and can be read here.

Key issues identified during the first round of consultation were seasonal time restricted beach access for dogs, and the suitability of off leash areas at Davistown, Terrigal and Hamlyn Terrace. Council has been reviewing these concerns to determine options available to address them. 

Council staff hosted workshops with key local stakeholders (who contributed during the consultation period) to review the options to address the key issues, a workshop summary report is available here.

The revised draft Plan was tabled at the August Council Meeting where endorsement for the Plan to be re-exhibited for a further 28 days was provided. 

It is important to note that there are currently no changes to the management of Council’s open space network.