OBERON Council will put on public exhibition its proposed location for a dog off-leash area.
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The matter was deferred in May pending consideration of several locations and site inspections.
The amphitheatre at the Oberon Dam is the proposed location for the off-leash area, but alternative locations included the Buckley Crescent Park and the land to the northern side of the entrance to the Oberon Tip.
A report to councillors by council general manager Gary Wallace said the advantage of the amphitheatre location is the distance from the nearest residential neighbours, thereby minimising any possible noise and odour problems. As well, he said it is relatively level.
"Preliminary costings have been undertaken regarding the development of this off-leash park with ring-lock style fencing at 200m x 200m being costed at $16 a linear metre with an estimated cost of $12,800," his report said.
"A standard double entry PA gated system would also be required and minor grading works to allow appropriate access, bringing the potential cost to approximately $15,000."
Mr Wallace's report said there are no specific guidelines for an off-leash area in NSW.
"There are guidelines available from South Australia which were largely discussed in a previous council report," his report said.
The following criteria are considered important for the location:
- Easy accessibility by road.
- Have adequate space for off-street parking.
- Have connections to pedestrian paths and trails.
- Be within walking distance of residential areas.
- Have good surveillance from public areas, so not be in an isolated location.
- Have proximity to compatible uses/activities.
- Have some natural vegetation and topography.
A report will be provided to council for a decision after the exhibition period.
Not having an off-leash dog site in the local government area isn't an option as it is a requirement under the Companion Animals Act, according to council.
