At last night's meeting of Hornsby Shire Council, Council's new Off-Leash Dog Park Strategy was adopted, following active community consultation throughout February and March this year.
More than 170 submissions were received for the draft Strategy, which sets out Council's recommendations for managing our off-leash dog parks now and into the future.
"The Hornsby Shire community has strong views on how to cater for the recreation needs of dog owners and their pets," Hornsby Shire Council Mayor Philip Ruddock said.
"We received good support for our recommendations, as well as suggestions for improved amenities and concerns about traffic, parking and noise, all of which have been considered in the final Strategy."
Off-leash dog sites resolved to proceed include Brickpit Park, Hunt Reserve, Wisemans Ferry, Fagan Park (fully fenced) and Greenway Park and Rofe Park expansion sites, while Wearne Avenue, Edward Bennet Oval, Salt Pan Reserve and Hopeville Park sites have been removed from the Strategy.
Also adopted at the meeting was Council's 2021-2022 Delivery Program including the Operational Plan 2021/22.
"Although Council continues to face a number of budget constraints, there is something for literally everyone in the Shire in the various projects to be carried out over the next 12 months, while ensuring Council maintains its financially responsible position," said Mayor Ruddock.
Key initiatives for 2021/22 include:
- $1.5 million park improvements at Brickpit Park, Thornleigh to provide an off-leash dog area, circuit paths and playground upgrades
- Development of a digital strategy, outlining how Council will use technology to transform the digital customer experience
- Release of the draft master plan for Hornsby Town Centre
- $4 million upgrade to local roads and footpaths.
Other items of note at last night's meeting included:
- A decision to delegate authority to the General Manager to enter into contracts with preferred electricity suppliers through the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils' (SSROC) Program for Energy and Environmental Risk Solutions (PEERS 3), and to seek procurement of up to 100 per cent renewable energy
- Endorsing the annual fees for the Mayor and Councillors for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022
- Adoption of the amended Draft Plan of Management for Waitara Park
- Appointment of seven expert panel members to the Hornsby Local Planning Panel for the term until 29 February 2024
- A decision to write to the Secretary of Transport for NSW, Minister for Transport, local state and federal members of Parliament, seeking a Road Safety Review of the Pacific Highway between Cowan and Brooklyn.
The full agenda of the meeting, along with details of each item discussed, can be found at hornsby.nsw.gov.au. The video recording of the meeting will be available from tomorrow afternoon.
