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