Bass Coast Local News:
A True 'Tail' About a Dog!

Bass Coast Shire Council is calling on the community to help develop a dog policy for the Shire

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 20th August 2001 - Back to News

•Tell us your opinion •See what others have said

Picture sent via email: Council is seeking public opinion on a range of dog issues with the aim of developing a dog policy. Pictured are Council’s local laws officers Alan, Steve, Kaye and Paul

Bass Coast Shire Council is calling on the community to help develop a dog policy for the Shire. Where should dogs be exercised? What about registration? Who is responsible for cleaning up after them in public areas? These are some of the issues Council is asking the public to provide feedback on so Council can develop an appropriate dog policy.

"We want as much participation from the public as possible in developing this policy," said Cr Miranda Sage, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council.

"The issue of dogs is an emotive one for most people, even those who aren’t pet owners," said Cr Sage. "We want the community to help us develop a balanced, useful policy with workable solutions."

Cr Sage explained that there are a number of ways people can take part in shaping the policy.

Surveys will be sent to 5,000 randomly selected ratepayers this week, asking for their opinions on a variety of issues concerning dogs. Surveys are also available from all Council offices, by contacting Council on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311, or from Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au. Council will also survey people by phone and in the streets of Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cowes.

Another opportunity for people to participate is through a community reference group. The Group will discuss the draft policy, which will based on the results of the surveys. Council is looking for people for the community reference group who:

• own dogs as well as those who don’t
• are experienced in a range of community activities
• are active in the issues about recreation, protection of the environment, responsible pet ownership and public health & safety
• are willing to help inform the community about the relevant State Government legislation on the topic.

Application forms for the community reference group are available at all Council offices, by calling 5671 2211 or 5951 3311, or on Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au. Applications close on Friday 7 September.

It is anticipated that by October Council will have a draft policy available to discuss at a series of community information workshops.

"This is an opportunity for people to work with others and with Council to develop a policy that meets a range of needs as well as the requirements of state legislation," said Cr Sage. "It will affect many people..and dogs!," said Cr. Sage.

"I strongly encourage people to fill in the survey, nominate for the reference group or participate in a workshop."

Many other councils, such as Mornington, Kingston and Port Phillip, have dog policies that control issues such as exercising dogs off-leash and registration. When Bass Coast Shire Council’s dog policy is developed and adopted it will be enforceable under the Victorian Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animal Act 1994.

For more information about the dog policy, please contact Deb Amor, Local Laws Officer, on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311. Copies of the survey and the community reference group application form are available from all Bass Coast Shire Council offices or Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: basscoastshire@gippslander.com

If you are the author of this story you can edit it by clicking here

Note: To start the discussion you will have to login with your member account.

• Bass Coast Shire Council makes more service changes due to COVID
  Face-to-face customer services and visitor services will cease at Wonthaggi, Cowes and Inverloch and will operate in other communication means.
• Wild Dog Destruction Getting Worse, Not Better, Under Labor
  Farmers losing livestocks on increased attacks of wild dogs.
• Bass Coast Welcomes Funding for Public and Community Housing
  $25 million for Bass Coast
• Bass Coast Takes Another Step Towards Reconciliation
  Council to reconcile and develop its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
• Bass Coast produce shines
  Local herbs,beer and wine of Bass Coast producers to be featured on the menu to help growth of local businesses.
• Bass Coast is ready for Christmas
  Council to allocate budget to fund Christmas decorations in major centres
• Bass Coast Local Heroes Celebrated
  Recognition of Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year2021 winners.
• When the Past Awakens by Helena Kidd from Bass Coast with Maria Avraam get shortlisted for state awards
  The diary turned book ‘When the Past Awakens’ By Helena Kidd & Maria Avraam 2020: Shortlisted for the ‘Victorian Community History Awards’
• Council welcomes VinFast to Bass Coast
  VinFast to establish business in Bass Coast that will help support local jobs, while also acknowledging the value of the surrounding bushland.
• Need a Grant? Try Bass Coast Grant Finder
  Go to Grant Finder website.
• COVID-19 Restrictions to Impact Bass Coast over New Year
  No fireworks displays in 2020.
• Council Works with Community towards COVID Recovery
  You can still call Council on 1300 367 700 and receive assistance with COVID-19 related matters.
• Council working to help Business Access Outdoor Dining Assistance
  $87.5 million Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package ready to assist local businesses.
• Council’s Responsibilities during the Local Council Election Period
  Council Election Caretaker Period from Tuesday 22 September to Saturday 24 October at 6pm.
• Council to seek legal advice over Minister’s ULAB decision
  Council voted to seek advice from a Senior Counsel after being disappointed by the Minister’s decision in approving an amendment.
• Council Elects New Mayor and Deputy Mayor
  Councillor Sharon Gibson is the new Mayor of Latrobe City
• Council Grants Support the Community
  138 projects funded through its Community Grants and Community Sponsorship programs.
• Strong Advocates for Bass Coast
  PUGRC estimates that by 2031, peri urban councils will grow by an average of 45 per cent.
• Youth Council Spreads Health Message
  Good Food for Mental Health project was identified to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the Latrobe City population.
• Latrobe City Council named an Employer of Choice
  Latrobe City Council, recognised as an Employer of Choice in The Australian Business Awards 2020.