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Feedback is now open for Bass Coast Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) until 14 September 2025

Bass Coast's Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025 - 2029 is open for feedback, shaped by over 800 community contributions, focusing on responsible pet ownership, compliance, wildlife protection, and community wellbeing.

By news@gippsland - 22nd August 2025 - Back to News

When it comes to cats, dogs and everything in between, our Bass Coast community is certainly eager to join the conversation. Over 800 of you joined the conversation on the future of domestic animal management in Bass Coast, through surveys, pop-ups and workshops, showing just how passionate we are about our furry friends and responsible pet ownership.

Every four years, councils develop a Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible ownership, protect animal welfare, and safeguard community safety and environment

Shaping pet management

From compliance and dog parks to protecting wildlife and celebrating the joy of companionship, your feedback has helped shape the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2025 - 2029. Council has now endorsed the Draft Plan for consultation, and we're inviting you to take a look and let us know if we've got it "purr-fectly" right.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said she was blown away by the level of community input, "We had 651 survey responses, over 100 people drop in to our pop-ups, and passionate contributions from our Dogs Off Leash Working Group. Pet ownership is such an important part of my own life. Every day I see the joy, health and connection pets bring when I pass people walking their dogs, enjoying the beach or just being great responsible owners."

"I can't wait to see how this plan helps strengthen those experiences across Bass Coast. Thank you to everyone who has already taken the time to contribute, you've really helped shape a plan that balances community wellbeing, safety, and environmental protection" Cr Halstead said.

Draft pet plan

The Draft DAMP sets out council's strategic approach to domestic animal management over the next four years, with a strong focus on responsible pet ownership, compliance, managing dogs in public spaces, and protecting our unique natural environment.

Thanks to your input, the Draft DAMP highlights priorities like:

• Proposed fenced dog park in Inverloch and one on Phillip Island
• Clear Dogs in Public Places Guidelines to balance recreation and wildlife protection
• Better signage across the Bass Coast, especially in environmentally sensitive areas
• New communications and education campaigns with community groups to promote responsible pet ownership
• Maximising council services such as dog waste bag dispensers and patrols

This consultation is your final chance to review the Draft DAMP before it is presented to council for adoption later this year, alongside other key strategic plans like the Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025 - 2029, and the Healthy, Safe and ResilientBass Coast Plan 2025 - 2029. Feedback is now open until 14 September 2025. To learn more and have your say, visit  Bass Coast Domestic Animal Management Plan website.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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