Kiama Council has launched its first Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy after it was adopted at the June Ordinary Meeting.

With more than 9000 dogs in the local government area for among the human population of 23,000, it is essential that Council can provide several friendly spaces for the canine community and their owners to spend quality time together and to get in some much-needed socialisation and exercise.

The Strategy provides a strategic approach to the future provision of dog friendly spaces throughout the area.

Council developed the strategy in consultation with the community, with more than 500 responses to an initial survey in the co-design phase.

There were more than 40 formal submissions to the strategy and numerous conversations and interactions at Community Pop-ups while the draft strategy was open to public feedback.

The strategy defines dog friendly spaces, lists current off-leash and dog friendly spaces.

Work is progressing on Council’s new fenced off-leash area for dogs in Jamberoo, which is one of the action items noted in the Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy.

The fenced off-leash area (FOLA) at Jamberoo will be constructed with the following improvements after community feedback:

• The entire FOLA will now be expanded to two sections of 35sq m and 22sq m respectively (originally scoped for one area of 30 sq m)
• The two sections will comprise: one for large dogs (15kg+) and one for smaller dogs (under 15kg)
• A concrete footpath will be installed to link the existing footpath to the FOLA
• Council will supply dog waste bags and bin and rubbish bins
• A bench seat will be installed
• Shade shelters and drinking water for animals will also be provided.

Funding for the additional works has been provided by Council’s section 7.12 developer contribution fund for new public infrastructure after overall funding had been approved by Kiama Council and the NSW Government.

The Jamberoo fenced dog park is due to be completed by September.