Merry Christmas

Clover's spin

NEW OFF LEASH PARKS FOR PYRMONT

Pet owners will be able exercise their dogs off leash in three parks
in Pyrmont following extensive consultation to find suitable off-leash
spaces.

On Monday, Council unanimously resolved to permit dogs off-leash at
all times in Giba Park in Point Street, Metcalfe Park on the wharf at
Pirrama Road and Waterfront Park in Bowman Street. Under the Companion
Animals Act, dogs are required to be under the effective control of
their owners at all times, whether they are on- or off-leash.

Pets play a vital role in peoples' lives, providing support and
companionship. Evidence shows that pet ownership improves general
health, helps prevent loneliness and encourages exercise and social
interaction. Pets are particularly important for older people and
people who live alone.

In August, we distributed more than 6000 letters to residents in
Pyrmont and installed signs to notify people about proposals to make a
allow dogs off-leash in a number parks and spaces around Pyrmont.

In their report to Council's Environment and Heritage Committee, City
staff considered all submissions and assessed each park against the
criteria for off-leash parks outlined in our Companion Animals Policy.
Community views were many and varied, and a number of residents
addressed the Committee.

The City encourages and supports responsible ownership and developed
our Companion Animals Policy to promote it. We require owners to
pick-up waste after their dog, and we provide free 6-week obedience
classes for puppies and adult dogs and free pet de-sexing for pension
card holders. We educate non-pet owners and children about animal
behaviour and have a partnership with Sutherland Council to provide an
animal shelter with the lowest euthanasia rate in NSW, where
volunteers walk the dogs every day and work to find them all new
homes.

Information
* Officers' report: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/
MeetingsAndCommittees/2010/Committees/291110/environment.asp
* Visit http://www.petsinthecity.net.au for more information about
higher-density living and enjoying the many benefits offered by pets.

Council decision

6 DECEMBER 2010
ITEM 7.7 OFF-LEASH PROPOSAL – PYRMONT PARKS (S057589)
The Environment and Heritage Committee decided that consideration of this matter be deferred to the meeting of Council on 6 December 2010.
At the meeting of Council, it was moved by Councillor Hoff, seconded by Councillor McInerney -
It is resolved that:
(A) Giba Park, Metcalfe Park and Waterfront Park be designated by Council as off-leash parks at all times;
(B) Ballarat Park, Cadi Park, Gatehouse Park and Pirrama Park be designated by Council as on-leash at all times; and
(C) Council note that implementation of the off-leash use of Metcalfe Park is subject to written agreement of the land owner, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

Carried unanimously.

The advertisement

Nothing's going to change my world - John Lennon

Depressed about the council decision then play this its uplifting!!

New Vet and worms thanks to Leunig

http://www.petnet.com.au/
http://www.anthrozoology.org

Research on human health and pet ownership, fantastic information

We now have a new vet!
Pyrmont Veterinary Hospital
3 Union Street 82030355

Kate Furst's letter

Dear councillors

I am writing in relation to the Off-Leash Proposal – Pyrmont Park. I support your recommendation that Gatehouse Park, Giba Park and Metcalfe Park in Pyrmont
be designated as off-leash parks at all times. I would however encourage you to reconsider your decision to make Gadi Park and Pirrama Park on-leash at all times.

Gadi Park and more recently Pirrama Park have become regular meeting places for residents of Pyrmont where both dog owners and their pets can socialise. While it is true that dogs can socialise to a certain degree while on-leash, opportunities for proper interaction and play is quite limited. Socialisation of dogs should be encouraged for both the sake of the wellbeing of the dogs as well as other park users.

I am also concerned that if these two parks in particular cease to be off-leash, opportunities for residents who are less mobile to access off-leash areas will be limited.

Pyrmont has prided itself on being a dog-friendly precinct and I am personally aware of many non-residents who travel to this area so that their dogs can exercise in off-leash areas. This in turn has had the benefit of increased patronage to the many businesses in and around the Pirrama Park area. Unfortunately, the survey did not capture the view so these park users.

I also think it is important to acknowledge the increased social capital of the area which I believe can be directly attributed to dog ownership. I lived in Pyrmont for 5 years prior to owning a dog but did not know any of the residents. Over the past two and half years, since owning my dog, I am now on first name basis with a large number of residents which makes living in Pyrmont so much more enjoyable. Also, during the dark winter evenings, I feel much safer going to a park where I know there will be other residents walking their dogs.

I am not sure what the concerns are in relation to Cadi Park and Pirrama Park being off-leash but I can assure you that in my experience all of the dog owners I have met are vigilant about cleaning up after their dogs, discouraging barking and ensuring that the dogs do not go near BBQ areas and children’s playgrounds. The same cannot be said for other park users.

I urge you to consider the issues I have raised when making your decision. Perhaps consideration could be given to a timeshare arrangement, for instance parks could be off-leash between 4pm and 9:30am.

I thank you for your time and consideration.

Regards

Kate Furst

Pyrmont action group whoever they are???

Dear Councilor,

In response to your email may we make the following observations:-

Elizabeth Elenius and Mary Mortimer who are referred to as members of the Pyrmont Action Group we know do very good works in this area, however, neither of them have ever joined in our - what we call "Pyrmont Pooch Party" group although they would have been very welcome to join our get togethers on Cadi Park as other non dog owners have been. Therefore they do not in any way represent us and neither have they been asked to.

We quote from your email the following:-

"Your statement that I have a personal interest in the outcome of this process is correct. I want to see an equitable, balanced outcome that meets the needs of the elderly, children, cyclists, joggers and family groups, as well as dogs and their owners."

We would point out that "elderly" "children" and "family groups" make up a large part of our regular social occasions on Cadi Park as do wheelchair bound young women. Cyclists and joggers of course do not use Cadi Park.

This email is submitted (after consultation) on behalf of all the many recent appellants in regard to maintaining our present "Off leash" benefits.

Pheona Mulligan and Georgia my nine year old Maltese Terrier

Dear all,

I would just like to take the time to once more add my voice to the discussion regarding changes to the existing off and on leash parks in Pyrmont and Jacksons Landing.

These purposed changes will greatly affect many people who own dogs in our community as well as those residents who love dogs but can't have one due to their own busy schedules but still enjoy the time they and their children get to spend with our doggy friends in the park area's we have here. Many people have commented to me personally that they love the fact that their children get to interact and play with the dogs at the parks as it means they don't need to feel bad about not adopting a dog for their own home, it is the perfect situation for them, they get the interaction with our dogs and their children are then content with just having some play time with mans best friend and thus don't complain to their parents that they want a dog for their own home.

The one park area that needs to be left as an off leash park is Caddy Park as this is the one area that all dog owners agree has the perfect situation; it is away from the roads; it is small and we can keep an eye on our four legged friends; and it is not near either barbeques or childrens play areas and it has some protection from the elements for the dog owners thus at some time during our walks with our dogs we all eventually end up there.

Importantly I also must add is that from a personal point of view that due to my physical disability Caddy is the closest park area for me to use and the safest as many of the friends I have in the area live in the apartments surrounding the park and should I ever need assistance all I have to do is call and someone is there for me in a matter of minutes, one such situation occurred just weeks ago when my motorised scooter gave up the ghost while at Caddy with my Maltese Terrier Georgia and all I had to do was ring one of my dogggy friends from the apartments and they came down and checked the scooter for me, luckily she helped me get it moving again so I could get home.

In closing I would just like to say that well trained dogs who are socialised with other dogs and humans alike do not need to be on a leash and in fact having them on leashes while around other dogs on leashes creates issues as the dog feels trapped rather than protected while on leashes around other dogs and people they haven't met before.

Please reconsider making any changes regarding the dogs on leashes issue as I know in my heart this will alter our friendly and welcoming community of both dog and non dog owners forever.

Thanking you

Pheona Mulligan and Georgia my nine year old Maltese Terrier

Michael's story

The Lord Mayor and the City of Sydney councellors,

Some four years ago my wife and I purchased a unit in Jacksons Landing after reading in the Sydney Morning Herald that the area was "pet friendly". The actual advertisement included the words 'bring your dog'. We also read that Clover Moore and the Sydney City Council encouraged dogs in the area. Upon moving here we found that having a dog was a great advantage when making friends with neighbours in our complex and from all over the area. I have walked my dog weather permitting every day in the morning and the afternoon. In all that time I could count on one hand the occasions when I have seen dogs fighting. Not long after walking the dog in the parks I realised that when they were on the leash they were very aggressive, but when they were off the leash they were friendly to all the other dogs. When a new dog arrived on the scene our dogs would go to meet it enmasse and the new dog usually rolls over onto its back whilst dogs would sniff it and then would all get up and play together.

I have always picked up my dogs 'business' in the bags provided and in fact regularly pick up others found lying in the park. If I notice a dog doing his business in the park unbeknown to its owner, I inform them and in all cases the owners have then picked it up.

In all of the time I have been here we have met each afternoon in Cadi Park, and whilst the owners socialised the have happily played together. Some months ago, included in our group was a pair of chihuahuas who constantly yapped, but they have since left the area for the eastern suburbs. I was aware that this could have annoyed some of the locals, but that situation has been rectified.

If the dogs are no longer allowed to be offleash in Cadi Park, and the owners continue to congregate each afternoon with their dogs onleash, I can envisage these dogs yapping loudly as i have witnessed in the past and the residents will be worse off. The time the dog owners meet in the park in usually between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. If the Council has had complaints about the noise I wonder if the complainants could be reinterviewed to see if the complaints were against the chihuahuas. If so the problem has already been rectified.

I understand that the Council has decided to offer the park in Bowman Street alongside the Stationhouse as an offleash park. I would like to point out that that park is continually being used as a cricket field and it would be ridiculous to have dogs there whilst balls are flying around. Also, most weekends there are childrens' parties held in the Stationhouse and the dogs would interfere with this.

I understand that the Council interviewed locals in the park regarding their views. I do find that strange because as I have previously stated that I walk my dog day and night through the parks and I have never been asked my opinion. I have made a point of it to ask many other residents, both dog owners and non dog owners and I have found nobody who has been interviewed or asked their opinion.

I might add that whilst walking my dog or socialising with others I have been approached by outsiders asking what it is like with all the dogs. I have always replied how well they get on together and when asked about the Council's opinion I have always said the the Council is very favourable towards us.

Quite some time ago Cr Marcel Hoff was regularily talking to a group of residents and showed her position of being in favour of offleash. I have been informed by some of those residents that she has made a 360 degree turn and was in fact distributing a petition to stop offleash. This does disturb me and if in fact the Council has changed its position I am very disappointed.


Yours Sincerely,
Michael Ogg

Brenda's Story

Dear Mayor,

It has recently come to my notice that Council intends to reallocate parks where off-leash dogs may venture. As a resident of Pyrmont, I am surprised that I, and my neighbours, were not approached for our opinion on the matter. I am also very surprised that the response to Council's survey is of such a low number and wonder whether it is a true representation of what residents need in their area.

When downsizing from the inner-west three years ago, we chose Pyrmont mainly because dogs were welcome and the area had parks and foreshore walks. In fact, I recall Jackson's Landing advertised how "dog friendly" the area was with many off-leash parks for the owners and their dogs to enjoy.

To allocate only one park as off-leash in the vicinity of Jackson's Landing seems like a mean thing to do to the residents and their dogs. There are a number of disabled and elderly residents (and elderly dogs) that need parks close to their homes. Surely, an additional park, such as Waterfront Park, could also be allocated off-leash. If Council wants to have "a city of villages" then adequate amenities have to be put in place to enable residents to socialise their dogs. It can be a bugger living in high density/high rise apartments but with the freedom of taking the dogs for a play in the park ... then Pyrmont is a good place to live.

I reside opposite Pirrama Park and have observed the majority of dog owners to be very responsible and their dogs to be well trained.

Please consider the addition of Waterfront Park as off-leash.

Yours faithfully,
Brenda Jeries

Kate's story

To the Councillors of Sydney and Interested Parties
RE : Our Community Spirit and Dog Ownership.

Dear Sir / Madam,
I write as a resident of the inner city of Sydney, my aim in writing is to engage you for just a few minutes of your busy day.
In this past week I have witnessed dismay amongst many residents involving the issue of Dog Owners and their use of the surrounding parkland's ….... please read on before you judge me here.
I can understand the arguments both for and against off leash park use, you likely do not give a damn either way, perhaps you don't live in the area, perhaps you have never owned a pet and perhaps you may even despise Dogs and their owners. As a community representative you have chosen to accept the responsibility that comes with your position, you alone must decide what makes a community a community and you must be able to empathise with all members of your community – that is a necessity.
Let me step back a little, I came to live here in Pyrmont and I did not know anyone, I now have many wonderful friends by simply taking my Dog out for a walk …..... think about that, and your response may well be “so what, you can still meet people with your dog on a leash” of course, I cannot argue with that …......
It is a well known fact that dogs behave differently on a leash, dogs need to play with other dogs, they need to run and jump and roll around on the grass etc, now tell me how they can do all that with a leash attached to their neck? Perhaps you can tell me how a Dog can fetch a ball with it's leash on?
I agree that there are a few irresponsible or careless owners who just do not use common-sense when out with their dogs, I won't bore you with all the negatives that can and do occur, but remember that the vast majority of dog owners care very much about the public perception of dogs and go to great lengths to inform careless dog owners of their responsibilities.
Dogs bring great enjoyment to families, they get lonely people out there in the community and many friendships have been made, keeping dogs on leash at all times has not been an issue in the past, why is it suddenly such an important issue now?
Some of the arguments put forward for dogs to be on leash at all times are certainly questionable, on the rare occasion (twice) that I have seen dogs in the children's playground, I have noticed that the dogs were on leads and were owned by the families / individuals who had children playing in the area, furthermore those persons were not from the immediate area of Pyrmont as I had never seen the dog or owner before, I have lived here for 5 years.
I consider myself as a responsible dog owner, my dog, as are many dogs in this area have been rescued from dog pounds and from a well known organisation “Monica s Doggie Rescue”. On weekends when the parks are well used by families I keep my dog on his leash whether it is an on leash or off leash area, it is just common-sense to do so as I do not want my dog to disturb people enjoying a picnic or have my dog panicked by screaming children chasing after him.
Common sense and consideration is the key to sharing outdoor spaces, no amount of legislation will prevent inconsiderate people causing disturbance to others. I firmly believe that the parks which attract the most public usage be provided with a timed off leash allowance on weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
I ask council for consideration of permitting off leash use of specific parks with the exception of School Holidays, Public Holidays and Weekends. During these periods timed use could apply, an example would be after 5pm and prior to 8 am on such days. As a resident I can confirm that on an average weekday there is very little use of the park areas around pyrmont by the community. I believe such a proposal would provide an amicable solution.
I truly believe that the current plan to remove off leash dog areas will fracture this community, we spend tens of thousands of dollars on providing skate parks to remove skaters from our footpaths and even more to provide cycleways for cyclists, this decision will have a very detrimental effect upon dog owners and the many families who love their pets.
I did not receive a letter from council on this topic and thus had no opportunity to vote on the issue despite living adjacent to Cadi Park at Pyrmont. The general consensus among my many friends who live in this area, including non dog owners is that this decision process is being driven by just a few residents who are ultimately determined to have all dogs removed from parks within the pyrmont area, this is both unfair and unjust and will result in a determined campaign by dog owners and their many supporters.
Personally I am dismayed that this decision is being rushed through without due consideration to the people of Pyrmont. I ask all councillors to take a step back and listen to the entire community, not just the vocal few. This issue has already become an ugly topic here in Pyrmont, please don't let it continue in this manner.
Please take some time in your busy schedule to consider this matter carefully and come to a decision that does not disadvantage any group in this wonderful community.
Sincerely,
K.Fraser

Dog owners response to proposal for Parks

The vision for Sydney
Sydney City Council's vision of the city being made of distinct urban villages is close to being successful in Pyrmont due to dog owners creating their own community and utilising public space in a safe and peaceful manner.

In the last few years a natural, healthy culture of dog owners and their dogs meeting has developed, first in Cadi Park, later Bowman St. Waterfront Park and more recently Pirrama Park..
Early morning ( 7.00 to 9.00 am) and after work ( 5 to 7pm or thereabouts) people from the community meet in Cadi Park and Pirrama Park and enjoy each other’s company along with their dogs.
Please click our link http://jacksonslanding.blogspot.com/

A mix of people from private and public housing gather with their dogs and have created a community. The personal stories of these dog owners who come from a variety of backgrounds (including disabled people), indicate that this informal network has improved their lives and given them a sense of community. Socialising of dogs is a by-product of these meetings which reduces bad behaviour of both people and dogs.

The recent recommendation, communicated by Mark Driver representing Parks & Recreation Planner has all but curtailed this social setting.
Jacksons Landing as a precinct of Pyrmont has the distinction of being the first city area to be legislated by both the City of Sydney and NSW State Planning as a pet friendly precinct BUT with the dubious distinction of NOT having a leash free park. Put simply our city planners and developers want residents to have pet dogs but will quarantine you from allowing them a leash free park (not very pet friendly).

Faults with the survey.
If the council members rely on this survey then there is every reason to believe they will make wrong decisions which they may regret at a later date.
The parks were wrongly named.

Research http://www.petnet.com.au/sites/default/files/PIAS_-_public_open_space_and_dogs.pdf

Out of a population of 11000, only 280 responded to the 6,200 letters sent. Yet registered dog owners were not targeted
The negative dog haters who responded exposed their aims by using the same arguments for every park, even though the facilities and current use of these parks were very different and on several instances did not match.
The survey ONLY interviewed people living in close proximity to the park, whereas this park probably services a much larger population, including dog owners who specifically travel to the park to allow their dog to be off leash. Therefore the results are skewed towards the immediate residents, and not all citizens of the City who aren’t lucky enough to have such a park in their backyard.


The City of Sydney lists Pirrama park as an off-leash area on their web- site (though in the survey it was named Pyrmont Point Park – but NOW we are aware is our designated leash free park), which is therefore considered to be a service that everyone living in the City can access, but the survey considers ONLY the opinions of a small resident interest group.

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Animals/OffLeashAreas.asp

Safety in the City
CPTED: Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
A principle of CPTED is natural surveillance, meaning that community safety is increased by more people using public space, and having surveillance over it. You could argue that the Pyrmont dog owners who gather in various public spaces (and at various times), help to make Pyrmont safer for everyone. The leash- free areas encourage the dog owner community to casually congregate in Pyrmont’s parks thus assisting safety, and at various times of the day, before and after most picnickers and other park users.
One instance was a toddler wandering to the other side of the park and in danger of falling into the water, being rescued and returned to her parents who were at the picnic table

Lend Lease sold apartments on the back of it being dog friendly. I think that carries more weight than the results of the survey. Just last Saturday, the SMH Domain section noted that pet friendly apartments and sold at an increased 15% appreciation over non pet friendly accommodation.

Conflict of Interest
The question needs to be asked, Does the Deputy Mayor have a conflict of interest in this matter?
Unfortunately a campaign started by Marcelle Hoff some time ago, to move the off- leash area of Pirrama park to a position that was further away from her home, exposes her to claims that she has a personal interest in the outcome

Dogs off leash in the children’s play area
As regular users of the park, I and my dog walking companions would like to say that we have never seen dogs in the play area. Some dogs, we believe to come from nearby public housing, have wandered the streets of Pyrmont for some years now and on the whole are friendly. Dog owners who take their dogs to Pirrama Park do not let them into prohibited areas. Nor have we had the pleasure of meeting our neighbour Marcelle Hoff to discuss dog or any issues.
Dog owners are concerned for the safety of the children in this play area and would recommend that it be fenced, as from time to time they wander across the central path/ bicycle track and may even get to the water’s edge which poses a significant danger. Unfortunately bicycle riders do not obey the speed limits, and ride on the boardwalk and the concrete surrounds of the ‘sheltered bay’. The design of the park does not allow them to see toddlers, small children or small dogs (leashed or not) until it is too late.
Probably 60% of dog owners have grandchildren and younger dog owners have babies of their own. Dog owners are conservative people who care for the community and are constantly on the look for danger for the pets and other members of the community. Broken glass and other discarded human waste are typically cleaned up dog owners in the interests of their dogs but also the community and the younger children that use the park.
Medcalfe Park is about 1.5 kilometres from Jacksons landing and is unsuitable as an off leash or community park for us. This park houses many homeless men and people recovering from the “Casino” and has no shade.

Eddies story

Dear Mayor,

I am writing this so that you as our representative understands how we feel about the subject of lease free parks in Pyrmont.

We moved to Sydney 5 years ago from Western Australia we originally lived in the hills area and decided to move closer to our business in the city 3 years ago after our dog of 18 years had passed away.

After seeing all the dogs with the residents socialising in the cadi park we decided again to rescue a dog from Monicas pet rescue.

This was the best decision we have ever made not only for the our dog but for ourselves, we have made many wonderful moments with the residents and the dogs. I am sure we would not have made the majority of our friends without the involvement of the socialising of the dogs running around together off leash .

In the last 18 months I have had a brain tumour which severely restricted my movements, I was very ill and was not able to walk very far whilst being treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy together. The highlight of my day was to make the effort to get a distraction and go to the closest park which in our case was Cadi Park with the dog and my wife to enjoy the social aspect of the dogs running together and the people chatting, I am sure this aided my recovery.

At this particular stage I couldn’t have walked the dog on leash or made it to the suggested proposal parks.

If I could address the suggested proposal. It suggested that all the lease free parks are away from the bulk of the population and are generally quite a long walk for all residents and generally uphill.

Surely if you are going to impose this restriction on us surely we could one park down near the water. Ie Cadi Park

You are our representative on the council and I implore you to take note of this viewpoint

Please feel free to ring me at any time if you want to discuss this matter further



Eddie Croft and Deborah Croft
404b/24 Refinery Drive
Pyrmont 2009

Dog Rescue

There's no such thing as a bad dog

Sydney Morning Herald, October 12, 2009

Click on to the link below at the Jackson's Landing Web site

There's no such thing as a bad dog

Peter Willmott