Dog poo on the table at council meeting

A MOTION calling on the Bass Coast Shire Council to immediately implement dog waste bags and dispensers across all dog beach entrances shire-wide was supported, among a number of other measures.
Cr Ron Bauer presented his notice of motion at today's (Wednesday) council meeting, which listed five points to be put into effect relating to the shire’s Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2021-25.
The DAMP was recently adopted and aims to promote responsible pet ownership and protect the welfare of pets, and outline council’s animal management services.
One of the most prominent strategies involves developing and presenting to council a business case exploring dog waste bags before July 2022. Council would be presented with a feasibility study including costs, benefits and impacts associated with introducing dog waste bins and bags.
Cr Bauer’s motion called for the shire to immediately provide dog waste bags and dispensers, which he said was the “most glaring no-brainer”.
“The reason I have sponsored this notice of motion is because of the inaction of council to implement strategies,” he said at today's meeting.
“There are some easy to implement strategies identified in the community consultation process and should already be in place.
“That feasibility study suggests to me the engagement of a consultant… that’s beggar’s belief, surely we have the expertise in house to make such decisions.”
Cr Bruce Kent also echoed the sentiment, saying he found it hard that a business case had to be put together to implement waste bins and bags.
“If we really think about it, all have hopefully experienced these dog waste bags at many metro areas and we know they work already,” Cr Kent said.
“I just find there’s a lack of common sense there and waste of council officer’s time.”
Also included in the DAMP is a review of the current management of dogs off-leash and dogs on-leash on shire-managed beaches, which would commence in 2022 and be presented to council.
However, the motion called for council to allow access to off-leash dog beaches annually from February 1 to December 10, effective from February 1, 2022.
Other points included in the motion were:
* From December 1 to February 1, dogs must be on a leash on the dog off-leash areas from 10am-6pm; and
* Extend off-leash dog beach access at the following locations: San Remo – from Foots Beach to Marine Parade San Remo, and current location 350 metres from McKenzie Road to 50 metres short of Anderson Boat Ramp in Cowes West.
Phillip Island Bass Coast Dog Owners Association president Cheryl Owens welcomed the motion, and said they were pleased council supported an extension to off-leash beaches.
“Common sense has prevailed, which will see bag dispensers fitted to off-leash areas and brings us into line with other progressive councils,” she said.
“We thank Cr Bauer and Cr Rochelle Halstead for their strong support and want to highlight the councillors who got behind this long-awaited decision.”