The Bayside City Council have refused to lift on-leash regulations at Castlefield Reserve, Hampton.
Hampton dog owners are frustrated with the Bayside City Council’s decision to retain on-leash regulations at popular sporting ground, Castlefield Reserve.
Head petitioner Mrs Rosanne Gibb rallied support from exiled park users to fight the restriction.
“This has impacted on our dogs far more than it has on us,” Mrs Gibb said.
Mrs Gibb received 53 emails in support of her efforts, and one against.
Hampton Primary School Principal Dr Sue Knight says it was not just dog owners who were disappointed with the decision.
“With council officers strictly monitoring the use of the reserve, the space remains empty so much of the time. There’s been a real loss of community – and community is very important,” Dr Knight said.
Currently, dog owners caught with their dogs ‘off-leash’ incur a $120 on the spot council fine, forcing many owners to go elsewhere.
Castlefield Reserve, which runs between Ludstone Street and Imbros Street, Hampton, is favoured by dog owners because the inner oval is fenced.
Mrs Gibb’s goal is to have the inner area rezoned as off-leash during off-peak times, while the area outside the fencing remains on-leash.
Bayside City Council Mayor Alex del Porto defended the council’s decision to uphold the regulation.
“We can’t please all interest groups all of the time,” Cr del Porto said.
“The council decided against changing the regulation because we don’t want to set a precedent of acting ad hoc without giving full consideration to all factors.”
The council decision was not unanimous, with Councillor Felicity Frederico supporting Mrs Gibb’s campaign.
“I am an advocate for the council decision, but at the time I did not support it,” Cr Frederico said.
“My suggestion was for a 12 month trial period – and at the end of that time, we could give an evidence-based decision.”
Dog owners want to adopt a system similar to that seen in the City of Glen Eira. At some Glen Eira reserves, during sports club training, match times and the school use of sports grounds, all dogs must be on a leash. Outside of these times, dogs are allowed ‘off-leash’.
Hampton Cricket Club President Ben Kezilas sees a formal arrangement and adherence to proper use of the grounds as a reasonable alternative.
“Our biggest issue as a Club is player safety, particularly that of our younger players, during games and at training,” Mr Kezilas said.
Dr Knight said the council’s response was too limiting, and must be reconsidered.
“There needs to be some compromise. With proper planning and advertising, there is no reason why it wouldn’t work having the area on-leash some of the time, and off-leash some of the time,” Dr Knight said.
For Rosanne Gibb and fellow dog owners, the outcome has not weakened their resolve.
“We are not about to give up the fight,” Mrs Gibb said.
Castlefield Reserve - Courtesy of Google Earth
