Dog lovers in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale could soon have a designated place to take their pooch after council voted this week in support of developing an unused piece of land in Byford.
The corner of Larsen and Sansimeon Boulevard was previously identified as one of five prospective sites as a potential area for a dog exercise area within the region.
Shire staff decided the undeveloped land, which used to be farmland would be the best location for the project with councillors voted unanimously at Monday night’s council meeting to support the officer’s recommendation.
The project would be funded from the $399,500 left over from the development of the reserve.
Byford Progress Association president Colleen Rankin said it was great to hear that council had decided to put in a dog park that would be easily accessible to such a large number of dog loving residents.
“I know there is a strong need for this type of facility,” she said.
“Residents often have to travel considerable distances to take their dogs to a dog park, so this development would mean that a number of people can either walk or drive to one within their own shire.”
Mrs Rankin said the unused site was currently a mess with broken wire fences and mounds of sand and rubbish strewn throughout the corner site.
Shire chief executive Kenn Donohoe will be required to report to council by the November 2018 ordinary council meeting with the results of a community consultation process for the development.
Indicative financial costs reflecting the communities design criteria will also need to be provided for council’s consideration.
Previous public consultation from 557 residents in the immediate area revealed one positive response to the proposed site and 24 negative responses.
A total of 25 responses were received, which reflected four per cent of the residents consulted.
