Council Minutes - Section B: Reports (1-4) - 23 April 2013

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Reports 1-4 tabled at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday date held at City Hall, Little Malop Street in Geelong.

1. State Government Ports and Environs Advisory Committee and Port of Geelong Structure Plan

2. Barwon Regoional Waste Management Group - Appointment of Skills Based Directors

3. Domestic Animal Management (DAM) Plan 2013-2017

4. Barwon Regoional Waste Management Group - Appointment of Skills Based Directors

1. State Government Ports and Environs Advisory Committee and Port of Geelong Structure Plan

Summary

• The State Government appointed an Advisory Committee in 2009 to review the planning controls in and around Victoria’s four commercial ports; Hastings Melbourne, Geelong and Portland.

• Their Terms of Reference required the Advisory Committee to consider whether existing planning controls were adequate to protect the ports from encroachment by sensitive uses.

• Implementation of Council’s Geelong Port Structure Plan was delayed in 2010 pending the outcome of this Advisory Committee process.

• The report of the Ports and Environs Advisory Committee was released in May 2012. In response the State Government;

• applied an Environmental Significance Overlay to the North Shore residential area;

• released a new Ministerial Direction which councils must consider in planning scheme amendments in the port’s environs;

• strengthened the State Planning Policy Framework to reflect the significance of the ports to Victoria; and

• is developing a new Port Zone to be applied at the four ports.

• is developing a new Planning Practice Note to guide decision making.

• The Environmental Significance Overlay seeks to “manage potential conflicts between land in the port environs and the adjoining Port of Geelong”. The statutory interpretation and process to consider applications is of concern given the lack of clarity of this control and the uncertainty in its application in the assessment of medium density housing applications. The control is onerous as it triggers the need for planning permits for minor works. It is recommended that Council write to the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Ports and request changes to the control.

• Considerable strategic planning was undertaken in the preparation of the Geelong Port Structure Plan. It is recommended that Council proceed to implement the findings of the structure plan by recommencing the planning scheme amendment process to update Clause 21.12 Geelong Port as set out in Appendix 1-1.

Cr Macdonald moved, Cr Richards seconded -

That Council:

1. notes the Ports and Environs Advisory Committee Recommendations and the Government’s response.

2. requests authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare an amendment to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme to implement the Geelong Port Structure Plan generally in accordance with the amendment documents in Appendix 1-1.

3. authorises the Mayor to write to the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Ports to inform them of concerns with the Environmental Significance Overlay recently applied to the North Shore residential area and request changes to make minor matters exempt from the requirement for a planning permit.

Carried.

Report

Background

In 2007 Council prepared and adopted the Geelong Port Structure Plan. It seeks to address a number of issues around the port including the loss of industrial land for port related uses, industry emissions, traffic and the competing demands for land within the port precinct to balance the needs of industry and the community.

The structure plan was prepared at the same time as the Port Land Use Strategy (PLUS) for Geelong Port was developed by the State Government.

The two documents are largely consistent, the notable differences are

• The structure plan identifies four precincts and the PLUS identifies three precincts (the structure plan splits Corio Quay and Lascelles Wharf into two precincts)

• The structure plan seeks to limit bulk liquid storage to the Terminals’ site

• The structure plan imposes additional requirements relating to the Terminal site (for example, chemical class zones, health and safety emergency plans etc)

In November 2009 Council sought authorisation to prepare Amendment C158 to implement the recommendations of the Geelong Port Structure Plan.

The authorisation request was refused in January 2010. In his letter the Minister for Planning stated that “the changes to the planning controls at the Port of Geelong proposed by council’s amendment clearly fall within the scope of the tasks I have set for the (Ports and Environs) Advisory Committee. The Terms of Reference already direct the Advisory Committee to have regard to the Geelong Port Structure Plan and the committee will also advise me on appropriate planning controls for land at the Port. The land adjacent to the Port and the zoning or overlay changes proposed by council’s amendment are matters of state significance and it is essential that the planning controls over this land support the competitive and sustainable operation of the Port.”

The Geelong Port Structure Plan was effectively placed on hold pending the findings of the Ports and Environs Advisory Committee.

Discussion

The State Government released the Ports and Environs Advisory Committee Report and its response to the report in May 2012.

The State Government has responded by;

• Applying an Environmental Significance Overlay to land around the ports, in Geelong, Schedule 5 to the Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO5) was applied to the North Shore residential area.

• Introducing Ministerial Direction Number 14 Ports Environs. The Direction states that “in preparing an amendment affecting land in the port environs, a planning authority must ensure that the curfew free operations and future development of the port… will not be prejudiced”. It also requires Council to consider the views of the Minister for Ports and the port manager in the preparation of planning scheme amendments at the Port.

• Making changes to the State Planning Policy Framework to strengthen the objectives and strategies related to planning for ports and their environs.

• Indicating that it intends to introduce and apply a Port Zone at the Port of Geelong and the ports of Hastings and Portland. The Port Zone will replace the existing Schedule 6 to the Special Use Zone which applies to all land owned by GeelongPort (the port manager). The provisions of the Port Zone have not been released to date.

• Noting its intention to develop a Planning Practice Note to provide further guidance on land use planning around the ports.

Environmental Significance Overlay-North Shore

The ESO5 was applied to the residential area of North Shore. It includes environmental objectives “to minimise the potential for future land use conflicts between the port and the port environs” and “ensure that any use and intensity of development in the overlay area does not constrain the ongoing operation and development of the commercial port”. ESO5 is included at Attachment 1.

This control triggers the need for a planning permit for any buildings and works associated with the use of the land for offices and accommodation including single dwellings. There is concern about the decision guidelines which require the City to consider whether development proposals would impact on the future development of the port and amongst other things;

• Whether the proposed use or development has the potential to expose people unnecessarily to any off-site impacts associated with the 24-hour, 7 day a week operation of the port.

• Whether the siting and design of the proposed use or development includes appropriate measures to ensure that the amenity of the proposed use will not be impacted by off-site impacts associated with the 24-hour, 7 day a week operation of the port.

• Whether the proposal will result in an increase in the number of people affected by exposure to risk to health or life arising from port operations.”

Council will potentially face difficulties in determining the risks to health or life from existing port operations. Further, the need for “appropriate measures” in the siting and design of new developments to ensure that amenity is not impacted could in fact have the opposite effect and result in reduced amenity for residents, for example conditions requiring fixed glazing or which limit the location of open space to avoid impacts from nearby industry.

The ESO5 triggers the requirement for planning permits to be sought for minor works to existing dwellings, such as garages. This is considered unnecessary given that the objective of ESO5 is to manage the potential land use conflict between the port and the residential area.

It is recommended that Council write to the Minister for Ports and the Minister for Planning to highlight the potential difficulties Council faces in administering this control and request that the control be amended to provide exemptions for minor works to existing dwellings.

Advisory Committee Recommendations on the Geelong Port Structure Plan

The Advisory Committee commentary on the Geelong Port Structure Plan, the officers response, and changes to the proposed amendment are detailed below;

• The draft Geelong Port Structure Plan should not be included as a reference document in the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.

Officer response

This recommendation is accepted. The Advisory Committee’s lack of support for the inclusion of the structure plan as a reference document was based on the need for consistency between reference documents (the PLUS and the structure plan), it was not based on the merits of the Geelong Port Structure Plan. As the key points from the structure plan have been translated into the proposed planning policy, Council will still be able to capitalise on the work done to prepare the structure plan. Whilst this in inconsistent with the approach used for other structure plans, it is accepted in this instance particularly as there has been a five year time delay since the Geelong Port Structure Plan was adopted.

• Further strategic planning should be undertaken by GeelongPort and the City of Greater Geelong, including stakeholder consultation, to resolve the number and nature of precincts within the Port and of the location, capacity and conditions for Bulk Liquid Storage within the appropriate precinct in Geelong Port;

Officer Response

This recommendation is not accepted. The strategic work and the stakeholder consultation suggested by the Advisory Committee was done in the development of the Geelong Port Structure Plan. Council has already formed a position on the nature and number of precincts at the port and this position should now be properly considered through the planning scheme amendment process.

• Once agreement is reached on the strategic port planning matters noted above, the City of Greater Geelong should prepare a new local planning policy addressing, but not limited to, both the strategic importance of the ports and the need for the two-way management of port interfaces to be undertaken in a manner that protects efficient operation of the ports and the reasonable amenity of surrounding land uses, especially residential and other sensitive uses; and

Officer Response

This recommendation is accepted. The proposed planning policy included at Appendix 1 is consistent with the Advisory Committee recommendation. The policy notes the strategic importance of the port to the economy and acknowledges that the port operates in an environment with sensitive interfaces to residential areas.

• On the storage of chemicals at the port, the Advisory Committee stated “In relation to the Structure Plan’s proposals for limiting the Bulk Liquid Storage to the Terminals site, this is a strategic planning matter that is beyond the scope of this Committee.”

Officer Response

The limiting of bulk chemical storage was recommended by the structure plan. This has been translated into the proposed local policy in Appendix 1 which includes the objective “to direct bulk liquid chemical storage activity in the area adjacent to Refinery Pier”. This direction will be given full consideration through the planning scheme amendment process.

• The Advisory Committee questioned “the appropriateness of including additional requirements relating to the Terminals site in a planning document. Such matters may be more appropriately addressed (in) SEMPS that port managers must prepare or in other documents that are required under environmental and public health legislation.” SEMPS are Safety and Environmental Management Plans which are required to be prepared by port managers under the Port Management Act, 1995.

Officer response

This recommendation is accepted. The structure plan recommended that health and safety requirements be addressed in planning applications for the bulk storage of chemicals. However given the Advisory Committee recommendation, and the requirement that planning doesn’t duplicate other legislation, these aspects have been omitted from the proposed planning policy included at Appendix 1.

• As noted in Section 6.2 (of the Advisory Committee Report), the Council also consider amending its local policy to recognise the buffering role played by the south side of Seabreeze Parade and Phosphate Paddocks

Officer Response

This recommendation is accepted. The structure plan map which forms part of the proposed planning policy includes a notation to enhance the buffer role of land along the south side of Seabreeze Parade and on the land surrounding the Incitec Pivot administration building, known locally as Phosphate Paddocks.

• Greater Geelong City Council consider whether any additional requirements relating to density and height of development in the North Shore residential area are appropriate

Officer Response

The PLUS and the Geelong Port Structure Plan both identified the need for further work to be done on buffers around North Shore. The PLUS called for the development of a “Local Area Plan” and the structure plan included a direction relating to the development of a buffer strategy and community plan in consultation with the State Government, the community and the port manager. This work has not been undertaken to date. The Corio Norlane Structure Plan has also identified this as further work, it includes as an action to “investigate application of an appropriate planning control to manage intensification of residential development within the North Shore residential area”.

The proposed local planning policy includes a recommendation for further work to examine this issue further in addition to monitoring of the operation of ESO5.

• In relation to the proposed Design and Development Overlay to the land at 309-363 and 365-377 Melbourne Road in North Geelong, the Advisory Committee accepted Council’s motivation to ensure a high quality development at these gateway sites and saw “no obstacles to this aspect from (of) the Amendment proceeding to exhibition.”

Officer Response

The maps and the proposed planning policy which form part of the amendment at Appendix 1-1 include the application of the Design and Development Overlay on this land (the former Ford site which was the site of the previously proposed Hometown development).

Amendment C158

When the authorisation request for the amendment to implement the Geelong Port Structure Plan was refused, it was not based on any assessment of plan. Similarly, the Ports and Environs Advisory Committee has not considered the structure plan in detail.

The Council’s strategic planning work undertaken in the preparation of the Geelong Port Structure Plan prior to 2007 can be given sufficient weight in planning permit applications if the relevant structure plan recommendations, which were supported by the Advisory Committee, are translated into a planning policy in the planning scheme to give effect to the structure plan.

Officers from the Department of Planning and Community Development have accepted that there is merit in pursuing an amendment to the scheme to clarify Council’s position on development at the port. It is recommended that Council should therefore recommence the amendment process to implement the key strategic directions of Geelong Port Structure Plan.

The key elements of this amendment included at Appendix 1 are;

• The inclusion of a new planning policy to provide direction on the location of bulk liquid storage, future growth of port infrastructure, the application of zones and overlays.

• Rezoning of land and assets owned by GeelongPort to Special Use Zone 6 (or the Port Zone if the Minister for Planning has introduced it), consistent with the rest of the port

• Rezoning of land in smaller lots in the North Shore industrial area from Industrial 2 Zone to Industrial 3 Zone to reflect its location at the residential interface.

• Rezoning a strip of unused vacant Crown land on the coast from Industrial 2 Zone to Public Conservation and Resource Zone

• The application of a Design and Development Overlay (DDO) to a gateway site on the Melbourne Road (the former Ford land which was the site of the unsuccessful Hometown proposal)

Environmental Implications

The structure plan considers environmental issues relating to industrial operations. It also discusses the need to manage the impacts on sensitive environments along the foreshore. The proposed planning policy acknowledges that the port is in an environment with sensitive interfaces to coastal areas and includes objectives seek improved environmental outcomes.

Financial Implications

Council will incur the standard fee and panels costs associated with the processing of Council initiated amendments.

Policy/Legal/Statutory Implications

The amendment is consistent with the Geelong Port Structure Plan which was adopted by Council in 2007. It is consistent with the State and Local Planning Policy Frameworks and generally accords with the Port Environs Advisory Committee recommendations. The amendment process will provide a further opportunity for affected parties to make a submission about the amendment and the policy.

Officer Direct or Indirect Interest

No council officers have any direct or indirect interest in the land, in accordance with Section 80(C) of the Local Government Act to which this amendment relates.

Risk Assessment

It is considered that the risks associated with the preparation of this amendment are minimal, the amendment will provide greater direction for decision makers at the port.

Social Considerations

The structure plan examined social impacts associated with the development of the port. The proposed planning policy clarifies the strategic framework for the port and will provide certainty for the community.

Communication

The preparation of the structure plan was undertaken in consultation with the community and businesses at the port. Individuals who lodged a submission on the draft Geelong Port Structure Plan will also receive notice of the amendment. The amendment will be exhibited in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Environment Act, 1987 with notices in the Government Gazette, local papers and notices to affected landowners.

APPENDIX 1-1

21.12	GEELONG PORT
21.12-1	Importance and Key Issues
--/--/20-- C158	The Geelong Port is a vitally important economic resource for the state, region and municipality and plays a key role in Victoria’s Principal Freight Network. Forecast trade growth is likely to place significant demands on port infrastructure capacity requiring potential expansion. The availability of suitably zoned land in the port area is critical to the continued viability and growth of the port. Where demand for land cannot be met in the immediate port environs the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct offers potential for port related industries. Efficient freight movements by road and rail within and between industrial areas and the port are critical to the operation and growth of the port. The port area operates in an environment with sensitive interfaces to residential and coastal areas. The operation of the port and adjoining port related industry is reliant on the protection of buffers from sensitive and incompatible uses and land fragmentation. The maintenance of public amenity in surrounding communities needs to be a consideration in context of growth pressures at the port.
--/--/20-- C158
21.12-2	Objectives
--/--/20-- C158	To provide for the continued growth of the Geelong Port as a key economic resource to the Victorian community. To maintain and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the port. To safeguard the port as a focal point for infrastructure development and economic prosperity within south-west Victoria. To direct bulk liquid chemical storage activity in the area adjacent to Refinery Pier. To give appropriate weight to the needs of a working port having regard to the amenity of the land uses at the port interface. To ensure that development in the port area is environmentally sustainable.
	Strategies
	Ensure that development within and adjacent to the Port is generally consistent with the Structure Plan map included in this clause. Ensure that sufficient land is available for future port-related development by discouraging non-port related land use and development from locating in the ‘Core Port Use’ and ‘Core Port Industry’ areas as identified in the Structure Plan map included in this clause. Retain ‘Industrial Interface’ areas, as identified in the Structure Plan map in this clause, in an appropriate industrial zone and ensure land use and development is compatible with port industry while minimising amenity impacts at the residential interface. Ensure that the use of land primarily for bulk liquid storage of dangerous goods (as defined under the Dangerous Goods Act) occurs in the ‘Core Port Use Liquid Bulk’ area adjacent to Refinery Pier as identified in the Structure Plan map in this clause. Ensure that all new proposals involving bulk liquid storage of dangerous goods meet Clause 52.10 buffer distance requirements and consider potential impacts on the environment and public health and safety. Ensure, as appropriate to the scale of proposal, that use and development proposals identify site risks and practices to manage any offsite impacts on the environment. Discourage further fragmentation of land holdings in the port area where this threatens to close off strategic development options for the port. Protect the port area from encroachment by non-compatible land uses or developments. Ensure that the development of an industrial marine precinct in the St Helens area adjacent to Osborne House is compatible with the operation of the port and port related industry and provides an appropriate interface with residential areas to the south. Ensure that use and development does not compromise the role of the land adjacent to the Shell refinery as a landscaped buffer as identified in the Structure Plan map in this clause. Maintain and enhance the role of the Sea Breeze Parade residential-industrial interface buffer adjacent to the North Shore residential area as identified in the Structure Plan map in this clause. Support retention and enhancement of landscape, earth bunding or other treatments on the Midway site to mitigate against off site discharge of dust and materials. Ensure that housing development in the North Shore residential area maintains the existing low intensity housing character. Development of sites fronting Melbourne Road and Princes Highway should provide for appropriate landscaping treatments contributing to a high amenity landscaped gateway to Geelong. On site landscaping should use indigenous native species. Where on site landscaping opportunities associated with new development are limited encourage landscape restoration and environmental improvements to be undertaken offsite at sites of biological significance including public foreshore areas. Ensure new development does not compromise the functionality and safety of existing and identified future networks of pedestrian and cycle paths. Facilitate increased throughput at the port through the development of extended berths at Corio Quay North and South and Lascelles Wharf. Secure a dual gauge rail connection to Lascelles Wharf and appropriate road connections to Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct and Geelong Ring Road. Facilitate and advocate for growth of the development of port related industries in the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct.
21.12-3	Implementation
--/--/20-- C158	These strategies will be implemented by: Using policy and the exercise of discretion Ensure that subdivision, use and development applications in the Special Use Zone – Schedule 6 / Port Zone, are port related and port dependent. Applications with the potential to impact on port operations and/or port related uses, or on existing sensitive uses are to be accompanied by a Reverse Amenity Impact report which demonstrates ‘two way’ buffering. Where appropriate new use and development proposals with off site discharges to waterways, foreshore and marine environments must be accompanied by an Ecological Risk Assessment and Environmental Management Plan. Applying Zones and overlays Applying the Special Use Zone – Schedule 6 / Port Zone to new port facilities and assets including wharf extensions and land used for port purposes by the port operator. Applying the Industrial 2 Zone to core port related industrial areas close to the port. Applying the Industrial 3 Zone to small lot industrial areas to the west of the North Shore residential area. Further Work Facilitate the establishment of an industrial marine precinct in the St Helens area adjacent to Osborne House. Work with the port operator and relevant agencies to develop a Comprehensive Buffer Strategy and Community Development Plan for the North Shore residential area. Liaise with VicRoads to investigate options for providing direct linkages between the port, the Geelong Ring Road and the Geelong Ring Road Employment Precinct .References   Port of Geelong, Port Land Use Strategy 2009, Geelong Port and Department of Transport.
21.12-4	Geelong Port map
--/--/20-- C158

2. Barwon Regoional Waste Management Group - Appointment of Skills Based Directors

Summary

• At the Council meeting on 26 February 2013 Council resolved to make a submission to the State Government about the Discussion Paper for the new Metropolitan Planning Strategy “Melbourne lets talk about the future”.

• The submission at Appendix 1 will be sent to the Department of Planning and Community Development as Council’s submission.

• Six key points are addressed in the letter:

1. Support for closer links between Melbourne and regional cities and the need for additional investment in infrastructure particularly public transport,

2. Support for the location of an employment cluster in Melbourne’s west which would benefit from the proximity of Avalon Airport, the Port of Geelong and the accessibility provided by the Geelong Ring Road, Princes Highway and the standard and broad gauge rail lines,

3. Acknowledgement of the Metropolitan Planning Strategy identifying the need for integration between the G21 Regional Growth Plan and the Metropolitan Strategy particularly on interface issues,

4. The benefits that Geelong and the region can offer residents in the west of Melbourne in terms of service provision particularly in health and education, and the importance of ensuring infrastructure investment in health and education services in Geelong keeps pace with population growth in Geelong and west Melbourne,

5. The continued support for transport projects including the east west link as an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and the rail link to Avalon

6. The support and the need to consolidate investment in Avalon in advance of the development of a third airport for Victoria.

Cr Macdonald moved, Cr Harwood seconded -

That Council endorse the response at Appendix 1 to be sent to the State Government as Council’s submission to the Metropolitan Planning Strategy Discussion Paper “Melbourne lets talk about the future”.

Cr Richards left the meeting room at 7:37pm

Cr Richards re-entered the meeting room at 7:40pm

Carried.

Report

Background

Council resolved on 26 February 2013 to make a submission to the Discussion Paper for the new Metropolitan Planning Strategy “Melbourne lets talk about the future”.

The Discussion Paper is based around nine principles and identifies key themes and desirable principles to be achieved. There is limited geographic analysis on how and where the principles will be applied.

Discussion

The attached submission provides more detail on the six key points which Council should highlight.

The relationship between Geelong and Melbourne is quite unique given its proximity, and significant levels of migration from Melbourne to Geelong and the pattern of commuting to Melbourne for work.

The increasing population in fringe areas in Melbourne’s west in Wyndham will be a greater influence on Geelong as this community looks to Geelong for services such as health and education.

The City welcomes the development of the Discussion Paper and the opportunities that it presents for Geelong. The need for appropriate investment in infrastructure is essential to ensure that these opportunities are realised.

Environmental Implications

The lodgement of a submission on the Discussion Paper will not result in direct environmental impacts.

Financial Implications

Lodging a submission to the State Government’s Discussion Paper will not result in any financial implication for Council.

Policy/Legal/Statutory Implications

Council’s submission is consistent with its existing policies including the adopted G21 Regional Growth Plan and its aim of developing a freight and logistics precinct in the north.

Office Direct or Indirect Interest

No Council officer has a direct or indirect interest in this report.

Risk Assessment

The lodgement of a submission to the Discussion Paper will not result in any risks to Council.

Social Considerations

The submission notes that continued growth in Geelong will require appropriate levels of funding for infrastructure including social infrastructure such as education and health facilities. An increase in workforce participation is a key social consideration and Council’s submission highlights the need for greater access to employment in Melbourne’s west which will complement employment opportunities in Geelong.

Communication

Preparation of this report was done in consultation with G21. Council’s submission will be provided to the Department of Planning and Community Development.

3. Domestic Animal Management (DAM) Plan 2013-2017

Summary

• Council has a legal obligation under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to develop and review the Domestic Animal Management (DAM) Plan every four years.

• The purpose of this report is to present to Councillors the review of the existing DAM Plan (2008–2011), which incorporates the Dogs in Public Places policy, and the development of the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAM) Plan for 2013–2017. (See Appendix 1)

• Council’s first DAM Plan 2008–2011 was adopted in June 2008. A range of actions focusing on compliance, policy education, promotion and marketing were implemented.

• A range of data has been collected to inform the proposed activities in the Draft Plan, including responses from the community highlighting their expectations and concerns, feedback from animal behaviourists and through the observations and experiences of Council’s Animal Compliance Officers.

• As a consequence of feedback, some necessary improvements were identified in the ‘Dogs in Public Places Policy’.

• Pet owners need to demonstrate individual responsibility in conjunction to the work of Council to ensure community safety and harmony.

Cr Fisher moved, Cr Farrell seconded -

That Council note the Draft:

1. Domestic Animal Management Plan 2013–2017 and release for community consultation for a period of four weeks;

2. Dogs in Public Places Policy 2013–2017 and release for community consultation for a period of four weeks.

Carried.

Report

Background

Council has a legal obligation under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to produce a four year DAM Plan. After considerable consultation with the community, stakeholders and interested groups in 2008, Council adopted its first DAM Plan 2008–2011. The purpose of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 is to promote animal welfare, responsible pet ownership and to protect the community and environment.

In fulfilling its animal management responsibilities Council commits $1.876M expenditure to deliver a range of compliance programs including the delivery of services to Councils Animal Pound. Council receives $2.123M of revenue generated through user fees, charges and penalties. During the period of the first DAM Plan, the Department of Primary Industries further extended the expiry date from June 2011 to December 2012 so as to align the Plan with Councillors four year terms. Following feedback from the majority of Victorian Councils that this timeline was going to be difficult to achieve due to the Council elections and the ‘caretaker’ period, the Department of Primary Industries further extended the completion date for the 2013–2017 DAM Plan to 30 June 2013.

The first DAM Plan (2008–2011) identified three strategic objectives:

• Responsible Pet Ownership

• Dogs in Public Places

• Leadership.

Council adopted and implemented a range of dog control orders throughout the municipality including coastal, open space areas, public places and areas under the control of other Land Mangers, under the provision of Section 26 of the Domestic Animals Act. Dog control orders provide residents with the necessary information about where and when they can walk their dog/s on and off leash in order to protect community safety and the environment. The relevant Land Managers with whom Council has adopted Dog Control Orders include:

• Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

• Barwon Coast Committee of Management.

With the review and development of a new DAM Plan (2013–2017), an extensive community feedback and survey process was conducted in June 2012. This focused on gaining feedback regarding the strengths and weaknesses associated with the current Plan and any opportunities and suggestions that may be incorporated into the new Plan. This survey comprised a three week online questionnaire, which was also available in hard copy from various locations throughout the municipality.

Feedback was received from a wide audience including community members, special interest groups and both internal and external stakeholders of the City of Greater Geelong.

While pets, at times, can cause a degree of nuisance and impact on others, studies demonstrate that companion animals play a significant role in enriching the lives of many in the community and contribute to building happy, healthy and active communities.

Statistics provided by the Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS) state that 63% of Australian households have some type of pet, with 53% of households owning a dog or cat. The City of Greater Geelong has one of the largest animal populations of any Victorian municipality and currently has over 45,781 registered dogs and cats.

The City of Greater Geelong is quite a large diverse municipality, which presents challenges in terms of conducting animal enforcement and compliance activities. The municipality includes:

• A total land area of 1,250 square kilometres

• 349 reserves and parks

• 1,300 kilometres of footpaths and shared use paths

• Over 115 kilometres of creeks and trails

• A vast coast line from Avalon Beach in the north-east, along the Bellarine Peninsula coastline to Breamlea in the south (approximately 100kms).

Community Feedback

To inform the community about the community feedback process, an extensive advertising campaign was implemented prior and during the period in which the survey was conducted. The advertising included print media, radio, web and community billboards.

A comprehensive mail distribution was carried out to over 300 target group contacts, including dogs clubs, kindergartens, local veterinarians, senior citizen groups, child care centres, primary and secondary schools, environment groups and Council departments with Council’s Corporate Planning Department assisting with the evaluation process. Comparatively, the overall response rate was encouraging and provided a sound base upon which to make informed decisions and recommendations for the next DAM plan.

A total of 568 responses were received, including 349 on line responses and 219 written responses. The respondents’ demographics included:

• 77% of respondents were aged between 35 and 69 years of age

• 75% of respondents were female

• Respondents came from all areas of the municipality with 81% of respondents residing in 20 suburbs

• 86% of respondents owned either a dog or a cat

• 14% were non pet owners.

Overall, it was felt that this sample cohort was a reasonable representation of community sentiments towards animal management and compliance issues.

Respondents evaluated the effectiveness of the programs within the existing DAM Plan resulting in the following findings:

• 90% declared dog attacks as the most important future direction needing to be addressed

• Compulsory de-sexing of cats and dogs was well supported with 97% supporting the de-sexing of cats from the pound, 82% agreed to de-sexing newly registered cats and 85% were supportive of de-sexing registered cats. 64% of respondents were in support of de-sexing dogs

• 77% stated that they wish to see a decrease in dogs at large and menacing/rushing dogs and 67% indicated a need for clearer dog control orders

• The cat curfew and education on pet selection were seen to be the least effective (28% and 23% respectively)

• Only 40% indicated the on/off leash areas were considered effective

• A general theme of support for increased patrols to address issued such as dog attacks, dog litter, dog control orders and other nuisance activities

• 49% believed the ‘Dogs on Leash At All Times’ sign/order was clear but only 29% found the observance of the sign to be effective

• The majority of respondents felt that the ‘Dogs on Leash On and Within 5 Metres of a Path’ sign/order was a major challenge to understand and may be leading to incidents

• 37% felt that the ‘Dogs Under Effective Control’ sign/order was clear but only 21% found the observance of the sign to be effective

• 32% were uncertain as to whether education on responsible pet ownership was effective

• The micro-chipping and registration road-shows were perceived to be the most effective by 61% of respondents

• 86% of respondents are respectful of Council being a dog friendly municipality while maintaining community safety through compliance and regulatory presence/programs.

Residents were informed that three actions remained outstanding from the 2008–2011 plan including pet selection, compulsory de-sexing and Dog Activity Parks.

Animal Compliance Trends and Data – Dogs

Animal behaviourist specialist, Dr Jacqui Ley, FVSc, hons MANZCV Sc (Veterinary Behaviour) PhD DECAWBN CMAVA, states: “Aggression in dogs is a major community concern. Aggressive behaviour in dogs develops through a combination of their genetics, their experiences and their environment”.

The statistics relating to dog attacks and subsequent incidences during 2008–2011, indicate an increasing trend that requires corrective action and intervention by Council in the interest of community safety.

A study conducted by Monash University ‘Hospital Treated Dog Bite Injury among Greater Geelong Residents 08/09–10/11’, revealed the following statistics for the City of Greater Geelong:

• 112 Greater Geelong residents were hospitalised due to dog bite incidents during 2008 – 2011

• 99 Greater Geelong residents reported to Emergency Departments for dog bite related incidents

• 512 dog attacks were reported to Council in the same timeframe

• 177 dog attacks have been reported to Council during 2012 compared to 117 in 2011 (an increase of 51%)

• Over the past four years there has been a 24% increase in the number of dogs at large, escalating to over 3,435 at the end of 2011.

* The above figures do not include victims who may have reported to the police or to a local General Practitioner independently.

Dog Bite Emergency Department Admissions

During 2002/03–2010/11 rates per 100,000 population for residents of Geelong, the rest of Victoria and all of Victoria show that the dog bite injury hospitalisation rate for Geelong increased significantly over the nine year period from 7.6 dog bite hospitalisations/100,000 population in 2002/03 to 15.9/100,000 in 2010/11 representing an estimated annual change of 7% and an overall increase of 109% based on the trend line.

The dog bite injury hospitalisation rate for the rest of Victoria increased, from 6.7/100,000 population in 2002/03 to 13.5/100,000 in 2010/11 with an overall increase of 103%.

The rate for all of Victoria (including CoGG rates) increased from 6.8/100,000 population in 2002/03 to 13.6/100,000 in 2010/11, an overall increase of 101%.

The City of Greater Geelong has had higher starting rates that have continued to increase. As the Council with the largest number of registered dog numbers, this increased rate translates to significant numbers as outlined in this report.

Dog Bite Presentations to Hospital Emergency

Departments 2002/3 – 2010/11

Dogs behave differently in difficult circumstances due to fear, being startled, excited, surprised, agitated, confronted etc. Council has a role in incident prevention by controlling situations, environments and circumstances where a dog may revert to aggression.

A strong correlation exists between the number of dogs at large and the consistent influence this has on the number of dog attacks and menacing dogs. It could be argued that any measure that would reduce the number of dogs at large would most likely lead to a reduction in dog attacks simply by reducing any opportunities for such an incident to occur. Council’s Dogs in Public Places Policy (Appendix 2) has been reviewed accordingly so as to reflect the community’s concern and Council’s need to meet its duty of care by addressing high priority issues in a preventative manner.

Four important determinants exist for safety and dogs; genetics, proper handling, training and care, and controlled environment that affords community safety.

While Council can influence handling, training and care practices through education and awareness programs, its greatest level of control exists through introducing measures that influence a safe environment with dogs in public places.

Over the past four years and as a result of Council’s animal impounding responsibilities, there have been in excess of 2,400 cats and 800 dogs euthanised annually. In 2010/2011, 2,406 cats (many of these were either kittens or feral cats) and 803 dogs were euthanised. While this rate has reduced during 2011/2012 to 1244 and 283 respectively, these numbers remain unacceptably high, particularly for cats.

From the DAM Plan feedback process, the community has indicated strong support for the mandatory de-sexing of dogs and cats to reduce the number of unwanted and abandoned pets being impounded at Councils Animal Pound, many of which are subsequently euthanised. The introduction of mandatory de-sexing for any cat or dog being registered for the first time or any cat currently registered within the four year period of the Plan has been included for Council’s consideration in Council’s Dogs in Public Places Policy and as part of the new DAM Plan. To assist the community, it is envisaged that subsidised de-sexing programs may be able to be established through partnerships with veterinarians, relevant funding agencies and sponsors.

Respondents are supportive of Council providing fenced off spaces or Dog Activity Parks. This was also a popular activity in the DAM Plan (2008–2011). 65% of respondents are supportive of the establishment of areas that are fenced off or are a designated Dog Activity Park.

These spaces allow for the facilitation of dogs’ socialisation, training and the opportunity for dogs to be walked off leash in a secure fenced area. The benefit of a dog participating in exercise, socialisation and interaction with its owner has the ability to reduce behavioural and anti social issues.

While residents regarded barking dogs and nuisance cats as lesser priorities at 52% and 63% support respectively, Council’s Request For Service statistics show that these are areas of high concern and impact within the community as is the issue of dog attacks.

Research indicated that pet ownership provides a range of benefits to owners such as companionship, social interaction, exercise and an improved quality of life. Council recognises there is an opportunity to explore options for the development of a Health and Wellbeing program, a dog walking service which would be implemented for eligible dog owners unable to walk their dog/s due to ill health, age, impairment or disability. It is envisaged that this program would be assisted by trained volunteers. 76% of respondents supported this initiative.

Discussion

Consideration was given towards prioritising those issues of highest concern to the community, which along with relevant data and officer feedback have informed the development of the Draft DAM Plan 2013–2017 (see Appendix 1). Actions have been developed in response to these issues and have been categorised under the following sections:

• Proposed Dogs in Public Places Policy Outline 2013–2017

• Training of Authorised Officers

• Registration and Identification

• Nuisance

• Dog Attacks

• Dangerous, Menacing and Restricted Breeds

• Over Population and High Euthanasia

• Domestic Animal Businesses

• Other Matters

• Annual Revision of Plan and Annual Reporting.

Dog Attacks (90%) Dogs at Large (77%) Menacing/Rushing Dogs (77%) Health and Wellbeing Initiatives (76%) Restricted Breeds (76%) De-sexing Cats (75%) Registration (73%) Improve Dog Control Orders (67%) Education (65%) Dog Activity Parks (65%) De-sexing Dogs (64%) Compliance with Local Laws (63%) Nuisance Cats (63%) Animal Patrols (53%) Barking Dogs (52%)

With respect to the changes and areas of program improvement to the Draft DAM Plan 2013–2017, the following can be summarised as key changes for Council to consider as part of adopting the proposed Plan and revised Policy;

• Amending the Dogs in Public Places Policy by providing greater clarity around ‘On Leash’ and ‘Off Leash’ areas. Due to the impracticality and cost of providing ‘On Leash’ signage in all public open spaces (where relevant), the policy has been re-worded so that in the absence of any sign and unless specifically designated as an off leash (supervised) area, the subject open space is proposed to be deemed to be an ‘On Leash – Supervised’ area. Many new ‘Off Leash – Supervised’ areas have been established and are included in the revised Dogs in Public Places Policy (Appendix 2).

The above amendments would reduce confusion within the community about what dog order prevails; places the onus on the dog owner to act responsibly; and enables Council to focus on providing signs in ‘Off Leash – Supervised’ areas and high activity ‘On Leash – Controlled’ areas.

• Re-badge the ‘Off Leash’ to ‘Off Leash (Supervised)’ and ‘On Leash’ to ‘On Leash (Controlled)’ in order to promote and clarify the responsibilities of dog owners when in such places with their dog/s.

• Amend the ‘On Leash On or Within 5 Metres of a Pathway’ to an ‘On Leash On and Adjoining a Pathway’ order. This is in response to the many incidents that have occurred along highly used linear tracks and pathways involving other dogs, walkers and cyclists and the need to reduce the opportunity for this to occur.

• A number of conditions have been attached to the ‘Off Leash – Supervised’ order. This is as a result of the misunderstanding or misinterpretation by some that this means that a dog can run at large at will. The most important condition, which aims to prevent the continuing increase of dog incidents is, ‘when encountering others/other dogs using an off leash area, the dog must be recalled and restrained until both parties have moved apart at a safe distance’.

• Apart from the safety issues, many members of the public are opposed to the unwelcome attention of a dog while they are walking, running, riding etc.

• Some minor changes have been made to certain dog control orders. It is proposed to bring back the afternoon restriction time from 8.00pm (daylight savings) and 6.00pm (other times) to 5.00pm at any time. This will provide the community with greater opportunity to walk their dogs in safer circumstances.

An additional order has been created for stretches of ocean coastline, which are the habitat of the endangered Hooded Plover. It is proposed that the intent of the Order is reversed from ‘Off Leash – except when hooded plover are nesting’ to ‘On Leash – Supervised – except when hooded plovers are not present’. This will be a clearer and fair message for the general community to abide by and easier for Council and Birds Australia officers to monitor for compliance.

Council has existing Dog Control Orders with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) and the Barwon Coast Foreshore Committee of Management (BCFCM). These Orders remain unchanged.

• Council is continuing to liaise with the Bellarine Bayside Committee of Management (BBCM) who has expressed interest in adopting Dog Control Orders that are in harmony with Council’s existing Orders. As part of putting this draft plan (which includes the BBCM proposed Orders) to the community for further comment, it is envisaged that a final position will be reached with BBCM with respect to meeting the community’s expectations. Previous community concerns about the break in continuity of the walking track for dog walkers and large sections of areas that could be better served as ‘dogs on leash – controlled’ areas rather than ‘dogs prohibited’ areas have been addressed and amended accordingly.

• As an extension to the existing mandatory micro-chipping order, it is proposed to introduce mandatory de-sexing as a condition of all new cat and dog registrations.

• The adoption of an order which requires all existing (registered) cats to be de-sexed during the four year term of the Plan. This is due to the practical difficulty in enforcing cat containment breaches, cats’ nomadic/roaming instincts, feral cats, the high number of abandoned cats and litters of kittens that lead to the high rates of euthanasia at the rate payers’ expense. Council will explore funding and partnership opportunities for the implementation of de-sexing programs.

• Promote the fact that dog litter can be disposed of in any Council litter bin when wrapped/packaged in any type of bag. Currently the City has 71 dog litter bins (at a cost of $1,130/annum operating/servicing costs) and over 1600 public place litter bins (at a cost of $380/annum operating/servicing costs). With the new side loading functionality of waste collection trucks, there is no longer an OH&S issue associated with the loading of public place litter bins that may contain dog litter. Therefore, by adopting public place litter bins as acceptable containers for the deposit of dog litter, the City will provide a far more accessible and convenient waste facility as a more economical alternative to the existing dog litter bins.

Environmental Implications

The City of Greater Geelong is a municipality offering a great lifestyle mix of urban, coastal and rural living environments. The surrounds are perfect for providing a balance between the needs of the community and pet owners.

It is evident from the survey that respondents are proud of the region and value the natural beauty and aesthetics of the City. There is a high level of expectation by the respondents that dog owners should be more vigilant of their dog’s behaviour in public spaces particularly in relation to dog waste, wildlife and protecting the environment. Also from the survey the respondents consider that it is the City’s responsibility to make good the poor behaviour of irresponsible dog owners by providing dog litter bags and ample waste bins.

Equally, respondents despair at the number of feral cats in Ramsar Wetlands (Ramsar Wetlands are wetlands of international importance listed under the Convention on Wetlands), and around protected hooded plover sites along the coastline at Ocean Grove and Breamlea. With a number of new developments and subdivisions abutting reserves many of the respondents are calling for Cat Free Zones for estates that buffer onto areas of environmental value. There was no consideration from respondents on how this desire would be implemented. However, it is envisaged this course of action would require the expertise of the Environmental and Natural Resources Unit, together with relevant State and Federal bodies.

Financial Implications

Costs associated with the current consultative process are included in the 2012/13 departmental budget. On adoption of the final plan, a costing framework will be provided to Council on a four year project basis.

Policy/Legal/Statutory Implications

Under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, every Council must prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan, which aims to promote animal welfare, responsible ownership of dogs and cats and to protect the environment. In adopting such a plan, the City has an opportunity to deal with specific issues relevant to its community and in response to any compliance matters that may impact on the health, safety and amenity of the community and environment.

Officer Direct or Indirect Interest

No Council officer has direct or indirect interest in the preparation of the report.

Risk Assessment

There are no known risks associated with the development of the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2013–2017. The actions outlined in the Plan have been developed to minimse risks to the community and Council from a legal perspective. The deliverable actions undertaken during the life of the plan would be subject to relevant risk management assessments.

Social Considerations

The objectives of the DAM Plan recognise a community that values responsible pet ownership and high standards of animal welfare. The actions proposed to be undertaken in the 2013–2017 DAM Plan strive to promote safe and cooperative behaviour by pet owners and provide a municipality that is pet friendly. Council recognises that not everyone feels comfortable around dogs and some environments are sensitive to their use. The plan aims to provide a framework that offers a balanced approach to all members of the community having a fair and reasonable access to public places and spaces with their dogs while enabling Council to meet its legal and risk management responsibilities.

Communication

A Draft DAM Plan (2013–2017) will be put on exhibition for a period of four weeks by:

• being advertised in the Public Notices section

• being accessible on-line

• directly liaising with key stakeholders and industry bodies.

Leading up to the development of the draft plan, a four week advertising campaign with a mix of print and radio media, internet, mailing databases and community billboards was implemented inviting residents, pet owners and special interest groups to participate in the ‘feedback’ process.

A series of working group sessions were held with external and internal stakeholders and these included representatives from:

• Barwon River Parklands

• Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

• Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management

• Barwon Coast Committee of Management

• Parks Victoria

• Department of Sustainability and Environment

• CoGG Recreation and Open Spaces

• CoGG Environment and Natural Resources

• CoGG Infrastructure and Waste Services

• CoGG Local Laws, Animal Unit, Animal Officers

Discussion topics included:

• Dog waste littering

• Existing dog control orders

• Development of new dog control orders

• Standardisation of coastal dog control orders

• Environmental issues including the hooded plover

• Open space, parks and reserves

• The future of on/off leash open spaces in growth development areas.

Domestic Animal Management Plan

City of Greater Geelong

DRAFT 2013 - 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DOMESTIC ANIMALS ACT – 1994 (PART 1)

Purpose of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (as amended)

Domestic Animal Management Plans

68A Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans

INTRODUCTION

Overview of the City of Greater Geelong

Community Consultation

Summary of Respondents Concerns

Overview of the Community Consultation - Results

Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

Orders & Policy

General Local Law 2005

Dog Excrement

Permitted number of Dogs and Cats without the need for a permit

Glossary

PROPOSED DOGS IN PUBLIC PLACES POLICY OUTLINE 2013 – 2017

Off Leash ‘Supervised’ Areas

Locations

Conditions Applicable to ‘Off Leash - Supervised’ Areas

Signage

On Leash ‘Controlled’ Areas

Conditions applying to all ‘On Leash Controlled Areas’ and ‘Off Leash Supervised Areas’

Dog Control Categories

Category 1 (Green) – Off leash ‘Supervised’ Area

Category 2 (Yellow) – Conditional Off Leash ‘Supervised’ Area

Category 3 (Blue) – Conditional On Leash ‘Controlled’ Area

Category 4 (Brown) – On Leash ‘Controlled’ Area (Environmentally Sensitive Areas)

Category 5 (Purple) – Conditional On Leash ‘Controlled’ Area (Hooded Plover and Wildlife Zones)

Category 6 (Red) - Exclusion Area All Year Round

Designated ‘Off Leash - Supervised’ Areas

Dog Controls in Coastal and Other Open Space Areas

TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS

Current Situation

Councils Policies and Procedures

Summary

Our Plans

REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION

Current Situation

Council Policies and Procedures

Our current Education/Promotion Activities include:

Our Current Compliance Activities

Summary

Our Plans

NUISANCE

Current Situation

Council’s Dog in Public Places Policy

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

At large and trespass (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

Barking dogs (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

Dog poo (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

Our current Compliance Activities

At large and trespass (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

Barking dogs (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

Dog poo (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

Summary

Our Plans

DOG ATTACKS

Current Situation

Council Policies and Procedures:

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

Our current Compliance Activities

Our Plans

DANGEROUS, MENACING AND RESTRICTED BREED DOGS

Current Situation

Council Policies and Procedures

Our Current Education/Promotion Activities

Our Current Compliance Activities

Summary

Our Plans

OVERPOPULATION AND HIGH EUTHANASIA

Current Situation

Council Policies and Procedures

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

Our current Compliance Activities

Summary

Our Plans

DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES

Current Situation

Council Policies and Procedures

Our Current Education/Promotion Activities

Our Current Compliance Activities

Summary

Our Plans

OTHER MATTERS

Current Situation

Council Policies and Procedures

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

Our current Compliance Activities

Summary

Our Plans

ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLAN AND ANNUAL REPORTING

DOMESTIC ANIMALS ACT – 1994 (PART 1)

Purpose of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (as amended)

The purpose of this Act is to promote animal welfare, the responsible ownership of dogs and cats and the protection of the environment by providing for:

• A scheme to protect the community and the environment from feral and nuisance dogs and cats;

• A registration and identification scheme for dogs and cats which recognises and promotes responsible ownership;

• The identification and control of dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs;

• A registration scheme for domestic animal businesses promoting the maintenance of standards of those businesses;

• Matters related to the boarding of dogs and cats;

• The regulation of the permanent identification of dogs, cats, horses and other animals;

• Payments to the Treasurer from fees received by Councils under this Act; and

• Other related matters.

Domestic Animal Management Plans

Under Section 68A of the Domestic Animals Act, every Council must prepare a domestic animal management plan, as follows:

68A Councils to prepare domestic animal management plans

1. Every Council must, in consultation with the Secretary (of the Department of Primary Industries), prepare at 4 year intervals a domestic animal management plan.

2. A domestic animal management plan prepared by a Council must—

1. set out a method for evaluating whether the animal control services provided by the Council in its municipal district are adequate to give effect to the requirements of this Act and the regulations; and

2. Outline programs for the training of authorised officers to ensure that they can properly administer and enforce the requirements of this Act in the Council's municipal district; and

3. Outline programs, services and strategies which the Council intends to pursue in its municipal district—

4. 1. 1. To promote and encourage the responsible ownership of dogs and cats; and

      2. To ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any related legislation; and

      3. To minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals; and

      4. To address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats; and

      5. To encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats; and

      6. To minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance; and

      7. To effectively identify all dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs in that district and to ensure that those dogs are kept in compliance with this Act and the regulations; and

5. Provide for the review of existing orders made under this Act and local laws that relate to the Council's municipal district with a view to determining whether further orders or local laws dealing with the management of dogs and cats in the municipal district are desirable; and

6. Provide for the review of any other matters related to the management of dogs and cats in the Council's municipal district that it thinks necessary; and

7. Provide for the periodic evaluation of any program, service, strategy or review outlined under the plan.

3. Every Council must—

1. Review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate, amend the plan; and

2. Provide the Secretary with a copy of the plan and any amendments to the plan; and

3. Publish an evaluation of its implementation of the plan in its annual report.

INTRODUCTION

The Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAM Plan) caters for the needs of domestic pets, their owners and addresses the concerns of the general public in a fair and even manner.

The aim of this plan is to facilitate co-existence of pets, pet owners and the general population whilst addressing the welfare and legislative issues relating to animal management in the City boundaries. This plan also aims to promote responsible pet ownership and enhance the experience of animal ownership within the community, by so doing, make the City of Greater Geelong an even better place to live.

While the directive to create a plan is in line with the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (DAA) which requires all Victorian councils to have a four year plan in place for the management of dogs and cats within their area, the City has used a consultative process to consider opinions and concerns from all relevant group and individuals.

It is now well recognised by the community and governments alike that there is more to animal management than merely collecting stray dogs and addressing compliances issues. Not so well recognised is the role that local government plays in protecting and promoting responsible animal ownership in the community and the environment, both essential to maintaining sustainable communities and a healthy environment.

This plan is designed to balance the needs of the community and at the same time manage the requirements of the act. This is an evolving practice as the community grows and changes and environmental concerns play an ever more important part of our City.

A key aspect of this plan is to manage domestic animals issues in a professional and efficient manner, provide education to the community of the responsibilities of pet ownership where possible at the same time address and minimise the problems generated by irresponsible pet owners.

Overview of the City of Greater Geelong

The City of Greater Geelong has one of the largest animal populations of any Victorian municipality and currently has over 46,000 registered cats and dogs (based at 2013).

The City has a total land area of 1,250 square kilometres, including a mix of coastal, rural and urban areas. Currently the municipality has a population of 215,151 with 95,753 dwellings. Annually the City has an average population growth of 1.51% and it is estimated by the year 2031, the population will be in excess of 303,000. With population growth, comes a likely increase in pet ownership.

Community Consultation

In developing this plan, in 2012 Council consulted with the community to gain an understanding of community perception in relation to animal management. Consultation involved a wide audience including community members, special interest groups, stakeholders and internal departments of the City of Greater Geelong.

The basis of this plan has been formed from a range of data gathered from Animal Behaviourists, staff experience and observations and response from the community to the survey.

Summary of Respondents Concerns

In general the respondents consider themselves responsible pet owners and are respectful of the Council remaining a dog and cat friendly municipality. The respondents are supportive of Council’s compliance and regulatory presence to ensure that all pet owners comply with the dog and cat control orders.

Respondents expressed the need to have an increased compliance presence in the community to address issues including non-compliance with dog control orders, dog waste, dog attacks, barking dogs, roaming cats and other nuisance issues. Respondents support the issuing of infringements and increasing penalties, if this would deter and improve poor behaviour of some pet owners.

A total of 568 responses were received. This included 349 online responses with 219 responses being via paper surveys.

The respondents’ demographics included:

• 77% being aged between 35 and 69 years

• 75% of respondents were female

• Respondents came from 54 suburbs across the municipality with 81% of respondents residing in 20 suburbs

• 86% of respondents owned either a cat or dog with 14% being non pet owners.

Overview of the Community Consultation - Results

Community members were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the outcomes achieved during the life of the DAM Plan 2008 – 2012. Perceptions of the effectiveness of the programs indicated that:

• The cat curfew and education on pet selection were seen to be the least effective (28% and 23% respectively)

• 39% of respondents indicated the on/off-leash areas were considered effective

• 32% were uncertain as to whether education on responsible pet ownership was effective

• The microchipping and registration roadshows were perceived to be the most effective by 61% of respondents

• Compulsory desexing of cats and dogs was well supported with 97% supporting the desexing of cats from the pound, 82% agreed to desexing newly registered cats and 85% were supportive of desexing registered cats. 64% of respondents were in support of desexing dogs

• 90% of respondents declared dog attacks as the most important issue to address for the future

• 67% indicated that the need for improved and clearer dog control orders. 77% indicated they wish to see a decrease in dogs at large.

• 49% felt that the ‘Dogs On Leash on or within 5 metres of a pathway a major challenge to understand and may contribute to incidents

Our Orders, Local Laws, Council Policies and Procedures

The City of Greater Geelong like every Victorian Council has a statutory obligation to animal management in its municipality. The Domestic Animals Act (1994) Council Local Laws, Policies and Procedures are the regulations that are adhered too for addressing animal management issues.

Animal management encompasses but is not limited too:

• The registration and identification of dogs and cats

• Protecting humans and animals from dog attacks

• The confine of dogs and cats

• The overpopulation of dogs and cats

• Any impacts on the environment

• Nuisance behaviour

• Access to public open spaces by dogs and their owners

• The health and well-being of dogs and cats

Critical to animal management is the concept of responsible pet ownership as the mechanism for ensuring these issues are managed and setting parameters for dogs in public places.

As a representative body today for the community, Council plays a leadership role in partnering with others to enable a well informed community and innovative approaches to managing domestic animals.

The following is a list of the Orders and Local Laws that are relevant in animal management in the municipality today. Policies and procedures are listed as pertaining to the situation.

Orders & Policy

• COGG Dogs in Public Places Policy 2013 – 2017

• Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Dog Control Orders

• Barwon Coast Committee of Management Dog Control Orders

• Cat Curfew Order 2008

• Currently consulting with Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee

General Local Law 2005

Within its General Local Law, Council has several clauses relating to the management of domestic animals within the municipality. These include:

Dog Excrement

A person:

• Must not permit excrement of a dog under his or her care of control to remain on a road or Council land; and

Who is in charge or control of a dog on a road or Council land must have in his or her possession a dedicated scooper device or bag for the purpose of removing from the road or Council any excrement from that dog deposited on the road or council land.

Permitted number of Dogs and Cats without the need for a permit

• The permitted number of dogs and cats by various land use zones are based on preserving the amenity of the area and not creating a nuisance or offensive/dangerous conditions to neighbouring or subject properties

• Residential area means zoned as residential under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme

• Rural area means zoned as rural under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme

• Other area means zoned other than as Residential or Rural under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme

• The Local Law also requires dog and cat owners to maintain yards and enclosures, in a clean and sanitary manner, and to control any nuisances and disturbances to others

• A permit is required to keep more than the number of listed animals. Council assesses each application on its merits to ensure that there is no impact on the neighbourhood prior to issuing permits

PROPOSED DOGS IN PUBLIC PLACES POLICY OUTLINE 2013 – 2017

As part of Council’s on going role and responsibility to implement effective domestic animal management strategies in accordance with its 2013-2017 Domestic Animal Management Plan, Council has revised its Dogs in Public Policy Outline.

This Policy Outline will guide the community with respect to understanding the dog control rules and conditions that apply in open public spaces to ensure community safety, environment protection and fair and equitable access to such spaces for all users.

Based on community feedback of both dog owners and non-owners, it is recognised that a range of controls are required to represent the needs of all public space users who have a mix of on leash and off leash opportunities for them and their dogs.

The Policy Outline will be complimented by area maps that clearly outline the dog control rules that apply for that location or site.   

In general, the municipality is declared an ‘On Leash - Controlled’ area except for all of those areas, public spaces and reserves that are specifically designated as ‘Off Leash – Supervised’ (dog friendly parks) where dogs are permitted to be effectively supervised off leash.

The following outlines the content of the policy.

Off Leash ‘Supervised’ Areas

Locations

Dogs are allowed off leash and supervised in specific designated public open space areas and/or any area as indicated by the relevant signage. This includes, amongst other public open spaces;

• Those paths located on the Fyansford Common and the shared path on the northern side of the Barwon River upstream from the Queens Park Bridge to Fyansford Common including Zillah Crawcour Park);

• Sporting grounds/ovals (playing area) outside times when being used for organised sports, including training (as defined by a formal booking with council)

• Sporting complexes/reserves – outside times when being used for organised sports, including training (as defined by a formal booking with council)

• A range of Reserves as listed in the attachment to this policy

• A range of broad open space parks as listed in the attachment to this Policy and as per Map 2.

Council will review the effectiveness of these ‘Off Leash – supervised’ areas on an ongoing basis and will also consider any request for new ‘Off Leash – Supervised’ areas to be established based on the following criteria, which will ensure safety, and equitable access to such spaces.  These include:

• Linear open public spaces (i.e. green corridors, easements) may be considered if there is sufficient width to ensure safe use and passage

• Public open spaces that do not contain a playground or where the playground is fully enclosed/fenced.  Open public spaces with centrally located playgrounds are not suitable as an off leash (supervised) area

• Public open spaces that is located at a safe distance from busy roads

• Any other public open space not mentioned above that is not adjoining/adjacent a water body and that no wildlife is present

• A high level accessibility either by walking or a short drive

• That there is no detriment to safety or the environment through the use of such open public spaces

• Suitable open spaces will be reviewed annually to monitor performance and identify any additional reserves that may be suitable as off leash ‘supervised’ areas.

Conditions Applicable to ‘Off Leash - Supervised’ Areas

The following conditions must be followed when using the ‘Off Leash - Supervised’ Areas:

The handler must have a dog lead in their possession and place their dog back on the leash when leaving the off leash area.

• The handler must be able to demonstrate audible control of the dog.

• When encountering others/other dogs using this area, the dog must be recalled and restrained until both parties have moved apart at a safe distance.

• Dogs must remain in visual and audible range of their handler to allow it to be effectively recalled at any time.

• Dogs must not enter water habitats that contain wildlife or chase wildlife in these areas;

• Dogs attracted to the motion of wheels must be controlled at all times.

• Dogs declared menacing/dangerous/restricted breed are not permitted to be walked off-lead in ‘Off Leash – Supervised’ areas, and

• Dogs that are aggressive to people or other dogs, behave in an anti social manner, or are over excitable should be muzzled when in public and not to be off leash.

Signage

• Signs will clearly indicate those parks, reserves or public open spaces where dogs are permitted to be off a leash and supervised. (see Appendix 1 and 2)

On Leash ‘Controlled’ Areas

• Within the City of Greater Geelong, unless otherwise designated by signage, all public open space areas shall be designated as ‘On Leash - Controlled’ areas. Public Open Space Areas (includes roads, footpaths, beaches, reserves, parks, playgrounds and other council lands and buildings)

More specifically this includes:

• All roads and footpaths/nature strips.

• Shopping centres.

• High use areas pedestrian and/or cycling areas (for example the Waterfront Precinct in Geelong).

• Sporting complexes and reserves (not including playing area) during times of organised sports (as defined by a formal booking with council which includes times booked for sports practice/training).

• At Council sanctioned events, markets etc.

• Shared use paths or walking paths and including areas either side of the abutting edge of the path; (except those in designated ‘Off Leash – Supervised’ areas).

• Dogs being within and/or tethered within ten (10) metres of children’s play equipment.

• Dogs being within and/or tethered within ten (10) meters of picnic and barbecue areas (as defined by council provided barbecues and/or table and associated seating).

• In areas designated as environmentally significant

• Jetties and piers.

• Water bodies such as creeks, rivers, lakes, and beaches (ocean, bay) unless signposted as a dedicated swimming area for dogs.

• Beach foreshore and coastline areas (except those designated otherwise).
  

Conditions applying to all ‘On Leash Controlled Areas’ and ‘Off Leash Supervised Areas’

• The handler must at all times have a means to pick up and dispose of dog droppings – penalties apply.

• Dogs when tethered must never be left unattended anywhere e.g. play equipment, shopping precincts.

• Leads must not exceed 2 metres in length.

• Retractable leads must be restricted to 2 metres in length in ‘On Leash – Controlled’ areas, but may be used more liberally in ‘Off Leash - Supervised’ areas where there remains a need to have control over a dog.

Dog Control Categories

Dog Control Categories (applicable to coastline areas and other public open spaces as designated) will apply to reflect the needs of all public open space users and ensure community safety and environment protection.

Category 1 (Green) – Off leash ‘Supervised’ Area

• Areas where dogs are permitted off leash and supervised all year round.

Category 2 (Yellow) – Conditional Off Leash ‘Supervised’ Area

• Allow dogs off leash and supervised during specified times all year round; in the mornings prior to 10.00 a.m. and in the evenings after 5.00 p.m. Dogs would be required to be on leash at all other times.

• On land managed by the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management, allow dogs off leash and supervised at any times between May 1 and October 31 each year. Dogs would be prohibited during all other periods.

Category 3 (Blue) – Conditional On Leash ‘Controlled’ Area

• On land managed by the Barwon Coast Committee of Management, allow dogs on leash and controlled at any times between 1 December to 17 December and 1 February to 30 April each year. Dogs permitted off leash and supervised between 1 May to 30 November.

• Dogs would be prohibited at other times in designated areas as signed.

Category 4 (Brown) – On Leash ‘Controlled’ Area (Environmentally Sensitive Areas)

• Areas where dogs are required to be on leash all year round due to:

• environmental sensitivity

• where there is an Order by Council

• the land management authority (not being Council) has regulated dog access under their own rules or legislation

Category 5 (Purple) – Conditional On Leash ‘Controlled’ Area (Hooded Plover and Wildlife Zones)

• Allow dogs on leash during specified periods as designated by signage including periods during the hood plover nesting season and/or other periods dedicated to protecting other wildlife (i.e. seals, penguins). Dogs are permitted to be off leash and supervised at other times/periods.

Category 6 (Red) - Exclusion Area All Year Round

• Areas that will have dogs prohibited for reasons of:

• extremely high environmental sensitivity;

• where there is an Order by Council;

• the land management authority (not being Council) has prohibited dogs under their own rules or legislation (effected by a dog control order).

Designated ‘Off Leash - Supervised’ Areas

Dog Controls in Coastal and Other Open Space Areas

The following maps (15 in total) show various coastal beaches, reserves and open space areas within the City of Greater Geelong. The maps commence at the south western boundary of the municipality and work around the coastline to the north eastern boundary near Little River.

A summary of the maps are:

Colour coding of the maps demonstrates dog controls at a glance. The category of controls in turn relate back to Council’s Policy on Dogs in Public Places

It should be noted that the maps are not inclusive of all open space areas within the City of Greater Geelong. The areas depicted are those where Council has made a decision in relation to dog controls. As the plan evolves more open space areas may become subject to ‘On Leash – Supervised’ requirements.

TRAINING OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS

Outline programs for the training of authorised officers to ensure that they can properly administer and enforce the requirements of this Act in the Council's municipal district.

Current Situation

The following information provides an overview of the City of Greater Geelong, for which Council’s Animal Management Officers deliver service to:

• The Census population of the City of Greater Geelong in 2011 was 215,151 and living in 95,753 dwellings.

• The City encompasses 1250 square kilometres, 349 reserves and parks, 1,300 kilometres of footpaths and shared use paths, 115 kilometres of creeks and trails and a vast coastline covering approximately 100 kilometres

• As at 2012 the City had:

• 35,918 registered dogs

• 10,598 registered cats, and

• 25 registered animal businesses including pet shops and boarding kennels

• The City’s Animal Management Team consist of the following Authorised Officers including:

• 1 x Team Leader Animals and Information Services

• 5 x Animal and Information Services Officers

• 1 x Animals Collection Officer

• 1 x Registration & Patrol Officer

Councils Policies and Procedures

• Learning and Development Policy

• Performance Management Policy

• Risk Management Policy

• Health and Local Laws OH&S Operational Guidelines

• Corporate Training Calendar

• City Safe Training Calendar

• Work Instructions are available to guide Officers in the performance of their duties.

Summary

All Authorised Officers are required to have qualifications in Certificate 4 Animal Control and Compliance as well as a Certificate 4 in Government Statutory Compliance to be employed with the City of Greater Geelong. Each Officer must successfully complete training in animal handling, and prosecutions including statement taking.

Council maintains a training register detailing all qualifications and training courses completed by each Authorised Officer. Annually a formal performance review is conducted at which time training and development opportunities for the subsequent year are discussed.

The City offers a number of training events via the Corporate Training Calendar which Authorised Officers are encouraged to participate in.

Our Plans

• Preferable to recruit all new staff with at a minimum Certificate 4 Animal Control and Compliance, and Certificate 4 Government Statutory and Compliance. Alternatively staff are trained within 15 months of employment

• Identify required training for Authorised Officers and source appropriate training

• All staff to be encouraged to participate in Council’s Corporate Training Calendar

• Review the Local Laws training register to ensure appropriate training is being undertaken.

Objective 1: Ensure Animal Management Officers possess adequate qualifications and skills and undergo appropriate training/re-training relevant to the functions and roles of an Authorised Officer.

REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION

Outline programs, services and strategies to encourage the registration and identification of dogs and cats.

Current Situation

The City of Greater Geelong has the highest number of domestic animals of all Victorian municipalities. The Domestic Animals Act requires all dogs and cats to be registered with Council at 3 months of age.

A high proportion of lost unidentified animals consequently become unclaimed because these animals are not registered. When a pet is registered with Council they are provided with a registration identification tag. This enables Council to identify and return lost pets home. Additionally, registration enables Council to assist the community in complying through voluntary action and education processes.

There still continues to be misunderstanding by the community on the benefits and requirements as to why an animal is to be registered or microchipped, despite significant promotion and education.

As at December 2012 there were:

• 35,918 registered dogs, and

• 10,958 registered cats

Registration trends for the last four years have remained consistent.

Council Policies and Procedures

• State Legislation applies under the Domestic Animals Act

• Work Instruction of Registration Procedures

Our current Education/Promotion Activities include:

• Annual Microchipping and Registration Roadshows

• Education workshops and seminars

• Extensive promotional/advertising of Microchipping and Registration Roadshows for dogs and cats via radio, local newspapers, Council’s website, community billboards, Council’s Community Update, letter box drops and Council’s telephone on hold message system

• Extensive articles and media release promoting the benefits and requirements of microchipping and registration of dogs and cats in local media, on Council’s websites, and Tag Time News (Council’s annual newsletter to registered pet owners), and Council’s Community Update

• The annual production of Council’s Tag Time News for registered pet owners

• The quarterly production of Council’s quarterly E newsletter Tag Time News for residents

• Focused registration and microchipping marketing campaigns on “the ability to return dogs and cats home”

• Subsidised microchipping and half price registration at Microchipping and Registration Roadshows

• Trained and authorised Council Officers to implant microchips

• The distribution of registration brochures and other material to local Vets and pet retailers for client distribution

• The provision of a range of registration payment options

• Encouraged dog clubs to promote the benefits of registration and microchipping to their club members

• Promote registration renewal dates via various advertising mediums

Our Current Compliance Activities

The City’s current compliance activities include:

• Registration and Microchipping Roadshows

• Annually issuing dog and cat registration renewal notices

• All non renewals are followed up with additional letters and property visits

• Conduct an annual update/audit of the registration database

• Carry out public patrols, conducting random dog and cat registration and microchipping checks

• Leave ‘Sorry we missed you’ cards detailing nature of call and contact name and number of Animal Officer

• Follow up on the sale of animals from Domestic Animal Businesses

• All authorised officers have microchip scanners enabling them to conduct random registration and microchipping compliance checks

• Ensure all advertisements of dogs and cats for sale in local papers contain microchip details of the animal being sold

• Ensure all seized and impounded animals are identified as required by Council and registered to their owner prior to their release

• Ensure all animal complaints are checked for registration and microchipping identification compliance as part of the process of dealing with the complaint

• All authorised officers are provided with laptop computers enabling access to animal owner’s details

• On the spot issue of infringements notices

• Monitor all points of sale of cats and dogs

• Provide online renewal service

Summary

Over the next four years Council will be seeking to increase the number of cats and dogs registered in the municipality. There is also a need to determine the actual number of pets residing in the community. This data would be invaluable in targeting service delivery, and education and compliance requirements for the future. These challenges will be done through conducting a pet census, education programs, registration checks during patrols, undertaken by Authorised Management Officers and checking registration details of all animals sighted during visits to residential/commercial properties.

Our Plans

• To increase the number of dogs and cats registered in the municipality

• To increase awareness of the requirement to register dogs and cats

• To continue to promote animal registration and identification using various media sources and Council’s web page

• To continue to undertake an annual registration audit

• To have an animal officer specifically identify unregistered animals

• To investigate options for providing additional benefits to pet owners for registering their pets

• To promote the benefits of responsible pet ownership – focussing particularly on cats

Objective 1: Increase dog and cat registration numbers by 5% over the first 2 years of the plan. To be reviewed annually.

Objective 2: To promote the benefits, value and opportunities of dog and cat registration to pet owners.

Objective 3: Develop relationships with visitors to the municipality – keeping them informed of options to keep their pet safe in the during their visit

NUISANCE

Outline programs, services and strategies to minimise the potential for dogs and cats to create a nuisance.

Current Situation

With a current registered dog and cat population of 45,876 the City experiences significant cat and dog nuisance complaints. With continued population growth, pet numbers will generally expand. Unless a range of measures are adopted and put into place, nuisance complaints will increase affecting the well being of the community. There was a slight drop in the total dog incidents for 2012. (See Dog Attacks for more information)

Each of Council’s Animal Managements Officers (AMOs) is responsible for community education and compliance patrols in a specific geographic area of the municipality. In some areas such as the Barwon River, Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads these patrols are undertaken in conjunction with the relevant land managers of the area who have established the dog controls – e.g. Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Barwon Coast Committee of Management and under discussion with Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management. During August – March the coastal dog control regulations (Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads and Breamlea) change to protect the Hooded Plover during its breeding season.

Council introduced the brand of ‘Lead the Way’ encouraging pet owners to demonstrate Responsible Pet Ownership (RPO), setting examples by being a pooper scooper, addressing barking dog problems and as a reminder to always walk your dog on a lead. ‘Lead the Way’ will continue in future campaigns, communications and advertising.

Council’s Dog in Public Places Policy

Under the 2008 DAM Plan, Council developed and adopted relevant dog control orders to provide pet owners with the information on where they could walk their dog/s on and off-leash.

Through the number of community complaints and incidents including dog attacks, menacing and rushing dogs, and dog litter controls, there is an indication that dog owners were having difficulty in understanding the regulations and/or were choosing to ignore the signage.

The interpretation of the “Dogs on Lead on and within 5 Metres of the Path” order has been a major challenge for dog walkers to clearly understand. The correct interpretation of this dog control allows for dog owners to move 5 metres off the path where dogs are then permitted off-leash but under effective control. Otherwise the dog is to remain on-leash as it is walked down the path, and the area abutting the path up to and including 5 metres.

In practical terms not only is this a difficult dog control order for the community to understand, it is very difficult for Councils Animal Officers to monitor for compliance, especially when trying to establish proof following an incident. Furthermore a number of incidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and other dogs have eventuated due to this confusion.

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

All nuisances

• Provide information on cat and dog confinement, barking, dogs at large etc, cat curfew to new cat/dog owners in registration information packs each year

• Provide information on Council’s website and Council’s telephone ‘on hold’ message system, Tag Time Newsletter, local newspapers and radio about the types of nuisances and relevant Local Laws and Orders, and how to report a nuisance and record ongoing nuisances as well as completing support documentation (eg barking dog diary)

• Distribute relevant brochures, fact sheets and other material developed by the Bureau of Animal Welfare and/or Council via, vets, pet shops, breeders, shelters , schools and Council’s Customer Service Centres

• Held responsible dog/cat ownership courses and highlight nuisance issues

At large and trespass (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

• Promote DIY cat enclosures booklet, information on commercially produced cat enclosures, dog and cat containment fencing, confinement of cats to residence, via Council website, Council newsletters, vets, pet shops, shelters, breeders, local papers and registration information packs

• Encourage desexing of pets to reduce wandering

• Provide the use of ‘loan’ cat traps for residents experiencing trespassing cats, complete with operating and well being instructions for the cat

• Provide clearly identifiable designated off-leash areas to meet the ‘free-running’ and playing needs of dogs

• Provide clear signage and walking maps (eg Walk Time – pocket size dog map) which clear Identifies those open public places that are either off-leash, on-leash or excluded areas in which dogs are required to be effectively controlled/on-leash, during certain times

• Hand out ‘Well done and Thank you’ cards to those dog owners complying with requirements – e.g. walking dog on lead, ‘scooping the poop’, having dog under effective control, registering and microchipping animal, observing dog control signage

Barking dogs (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

• Provide information on the causes of excessive barking, including: separation anxiety, boredom, external stimuli (passers-by, other dogs barking, cats trespassing), territorialism (when there are visitors to the property), communication with other dogs

• Encourage owners of barking dogs to seek advice from Council/professional dog trainer/animal behaviourist on how to reduce their dog’s barking

• Loan owners bark count collars to control barking problems

Dog poo (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

• Advise dog owners of legal requirements relating to cleaning up of dog poo, by distributing education material (see ‘All nuisance’ section for methods), providing owner/person in charge of dog in parks and other public places with information and dog poo bags during patrols

• Provide signage regarding requirement for owner/person in charge to pick up and dispose of dog poo in litter bins

• Provide complimentary Dog Pooch Paks enabling dog owners to carry a supply of dog poo bags on their dogs lead

• Provide free dog poo bags at community events and high use areas

• Provide dog poo bag dispensers and disposal bins in parks (in high use areas) to encourage owners/person in charge of animal to clean up the animal’s poo

Our current Compliance Activities

All nuisances

• Record all nuisance complaints on a database to track resolutions, repeat offenders

• Investigate nuisance complaints within Council guidelines

• Ensure nuisance investigation timeframes are as short as possible to reduce complainants’ frustration

• Review Council policies and procedures relating to nuisance as per Council guidelines

• Ensure notices to comply, notices of objection, infringements, prosecutions are in line with Council Policy and Procedures

At large and trespass (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

• Patrol public places to check for dogs or cats at large or in prohibited public areas

• Increase patrols during holiday periods

• Proactive in feral cat trapping programs (in specific areas where there are identified problem such as wildlife reserves or lane ways)

• Seek community compliance with cat owners on the Cat Curfew Order

• Seek community compliance with dog owners on the Dogs in Public Places Policy

• Provide loan cat cages (free of charge) to local residents for trapping cats trespassing on their property (specify whether use is free of charge, deposit required, or fee charged)

• Purchase an additional cat cages that is compliant with POCTA Regulations on confinement traps

• Ensure Council has the required local laws to enforce the need for excess animal permits

Barking dogs (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

• Encourage complainant to contact owner of barking dog and advise them of their concerns as first step to resolving issue

• If not resolved, contact owner of barking dog and provide them with information and ideas to reduce barking to attempt rapid resolution

• Provide barking dog diary to complainant

• Encourage parties to seek mediation where possible

• Carry out investigation following protocols to establish nuisance or otherwise

• Provide for the loan of anti-bark collars (citronella, electronic), provide information to owners regarding requirements under POCTA Regulation 19 for electronic collars

• Note barking dogs can also be considered unreasonable noise under Section 48A of the Environment Protection Act 1970, according to the EPA publication ‘Annoyed by Noise?’

Dog poo (see ‘All nuisances’ and the following)

• Seek community compliance of Council’s Local Law regarding the compulsory collection and disposal of dog poo by owner/person in charge of the dog

Summary

As part of Council’s recent community consultation process a section of the survey was devoted to the 2008 Dogs in Public Places Policy which largely addresses where dog walkers are permitted to walk their dogs on or off leash during relevant times. The feedback received from the community together with stakeholders, animal behaviourists and Officers input has formed the basis for the 2013 -2017 Dogs in Public Places Policy.

The most significant change to this policy has been the removal of the dog control ‘Dogs on Lead on and within 5 Metres of the Path’ and the subsequent introduction of a large number of dedicated Off Leash ‘Supervised’ Areas that must be used in conjunction with conditions of use. These conditions have been specifically implemented to reduce dog attacks, allowing all community members to feel safe whilst enjoying the public open spaces of the municipality. The remainder of the municipality will remain as an ‘On Leash Controlled Area’ which is consistent with the 2008 policy.

Council will continue to seek compliance and provide education and information to address barking dog nuisance complaints, as well the Cat Curfew Order which is in existence. Animal patrols will remain ensuring the compliance of the 2013 – 2017 Dogs in Public Places Policy with a strong focus on reminding dog walkers that under the local law they must carry a litter receptacle and pick up their dog’s waste.

Our Plans

• To reduce cat nuisance problems within the community particularly trespassing cats

• To reduce barking dog complaints within the community

• To promote the benefits of Responsible Pet Ownership

• To seek community compliance with the Dogs in Public Places Policy

Objective 1: To reduce cat nuisance problems within the community particularly trespassing cats.

Objective 2: To reduce barking dog complaints and nuisance behaviour in the community

Objective 3: To promote the benefits of Responsible Pet Ownership (RPO)

Objective 4: To seek community compliance with the Dogs in Public Places Policy 2013 - 2017

DOG ATTACKS

Outline programs, services and strategies to minimise the risk of attacks by dogs on people and animals.

Current Situation

Injury statistics relating to dog bites within the City of Greater Geelong were obtained from the Monash University – Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit. “Hospital treated dog bite injury among Greater Geelong residents, between 2008/09 – 2010/11”.

This study has identified that hospital admissions for dog bite injuries among Greater Geelong residents compared unfavourably with Victorian residents between 2002/03 – 2010/11. Over the nine year period, there has been an increase from 7.6 dog bite hospitalisations/100,000 population in 2002/03 to 15.9/100,000 in 2010/11.

In the three-year period from July 2008 to June 2011, there were 112 dog bite hospital admissions among Greater Geelong residents compared to 1,749 admissions among residents of the rest of Victoria for dog bite injury. This represents 6% of the state totals.

The numbers of dog attacks reported to Council for the period 2008 – 2011 were 679. It is difficult to determine if incidents captured in the Geelong Council data are duplicated in the Monash University data. If it is not, there is a very real possibility that there are more incidents of dog attacks than Council is aware of.

The 2012 statistics continue to grow and are of concern particularly as there was a 51% increase in dog attacks from 2011 to 2012. Council believes there is a strong correlation between the number dogs at large and the subsequent dog attacks or menacing and rushing dogs. Based on these statistics Council will be implementing an array of measures and programs with the aim to reduce these numbers.

Council Policies and Procedures:

• Policy relating to seizure of dogs found at large or not secured to owner’s premises (s.24)

• Work procedure relating to attacks or bites by dogs (s.29)

• Procedure for serving notices of seizure relating to seizing of identified dogs (s.84H)

• Procedure for owners when recovering dogs that have been seized by Council (s.84M)

• Policy associated with disposal of seized dogs (s.84O)

• Policy associated with registration of dogs and the fee structure for registration) (Schedule to the Act)

• Policy and procedure associated with seizure and impounding of dogs after a dog attack

• Enforcement strategy associated with issuing notices to comply, infringement notices and filing charges for prosecution regarding dog attacks

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

• Raise awareness of risk of dog attacks in the home, in the street and in parks and how to reduce these risks

• Provide residents with information on how to report dog attacks – if bitten or witness an attack on a person or animal. Promote and encourage the reporting of dog attacks whether on public or private property

• Identify clearly those public places that are off-leash areas, areas in which dogs are required to be effectively controlled/on-leash, and areas in which dogs are prohibited at all times/certain times – by signage, in brochures, and produced pocket fold-out map ‘Walk Time’

• Promote effective confinement and control of dogs

• Provide residents with information on implications for their dog and themselves if the dog attacks a person or animal

• Set up a ‘Dob in a dog’ hotline for dog attacks

• Run responsible dog ownership course and highlight ways of minimising the risk of dog attacks

• Promote the importance of appropriate breed selection – that the dog fits the family situation – such as being hyperactive with children/herding them, not being too small that it can be hurt by children and then bite them, good temperament, if no time to walk not needing too much activity and becoming anxious or unsettled around people etc

• Promote desexing of dogs to reduce aggressive tendencies and wandering at large

• Promote early socialisation of dogs to other animals and humans

• Promote puppy pre-school and dog obedience training, provide web links to these on Council website

• Promote regular exercise of dogs

• Provided police with dog cages for out of hours service

• Promote environmental enrichment for dogs at home

• Issue press releases at strategic times to minimise risk of dog attacks on livestock (e.g. lambing season, calving season)

Our current Compliance Activities

• Develop dog attack investigation and enforcement policy and procedures

• Respond to/attend dog attack reports immediately and as the top priority for animal management officers

• Provide an after hours number to report dog attacks

• Identify numbers of dog attacks in the community on a monthly basis, including information relating to the attacks: date, time, location, breed of dog, person attacked, animal attacked, category of injuries sustained, any information about owner/person in charge

• Conduct regular patrols at locations where there is a high incidence of attacks. Conduct patrols during periods of the day when there is a high incidence of attacks

• Conduct regular patrols to make sure dogs are confined to premises

• Ensure any Magistrate’s Orders to confine dogs are being adhered to by unannounced inspections

• Ensure all reported dog attacks are recorded and investigated to meet all points of proof provided in the Act. Seize dogs and prosecute owners in accord with Council’s enforcement strategy

• Enforce on-leash requirements – if not in an off-leash area, dogs must be on leash

• Be proactive in declaring dogs dangerous or menacing (using the provisions of Sections and 34 and 41A respectively)

• Maintain database with details of each animal reported/found to have attacked people, pets, wildlife, and livestock. Historical data will be useful to Council

• On an as needs basis inform construction workers in new estate areas, etc, of the requirement to prevent their dogs from roaming

• Conduct patrols to minimise risk of dog attacks by transient populations in holiday areas

• Ensure unclaimed dogs at the pound are temperament tested to determine whether they are suitable for rehoming

• On an as needs basis - partner with Australia Post, meter readers, and similar parties to identify potential risk situations where dogs may escape confinement and attack, all dog attacks, rushes, wandering animals. Provide hotline number for these people to report to authorised officer

Summary

Council has significant concerns over the increased number of dog attacks in the municipality and the effect on public safety that these incidents have. The proposal to change the “Dogs in Public Places Policy” providing designated Off Leash ‘Supervised’ Areas including conditions of use will assist in reducing dog attacks in public open space.

Further education and enforcements on dog attacks is a key priority as is the importance to encourage victims to report the incidents. Dog owners are strongly encouraged to conduct regular backyard checks to ensure your dog is properly contained to your property. By doing this alone 80% of dog attacks in public places could be prevented (www.dpi.vic.gov.au/pets/dog-care/preventing-attacks-in-the-community).

Our Plans

• To continue to investigate the incidents of dog attacks, reducing and minimising the risk

• Raise community awareness on how to prevent them occurring and encourage reporting of all dog attack incidences

• Decrease the number of dog attacks in the community each year

• Promote the benefits of containing dogs to backyards

Objective 1: Encourage reporting of dog attacks in the community to reduce dog attacks, educate owners and the public, improving community safety

Objective 2: Decrease the number of reported dog attacks in the community each year

Objective 3: Advocate and educate dog owners to contain their dogs to their property to reduce dogs at large and subsequent dog attacks

DANGEROUS, MENACING AND RESTRICTED BREED DOGS

Outline programs, services and strategies to effectively identify all dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs in that district and to ensure that those dogs are kept in compliance with the Act and regulations.

Current Situation

Council takes very seriously any reports of suspected Restricted Breed Dogs and inspect and investigates these promptly to eliminate the risk to the community. Council will continue to utilise all available legislation to control and manage restricted breeds and dangerous dogs within our municipality. As at December 2012 the following information was applicable:

• Number of declared Dangerous Dogs/Guard Dogs registered – 26

• Number of Dangerous Dogs - 19

• Number of declared Menacing Dogs registered - 13

• Number of Restricted Breed Dogs registered - 17

• Number of compliance inspections conduced (Dangerous and Restricted) in the past 12 months - 75

Council Policies and Procedures

• Work Instruction associated with the declaration of a Dangerous and Menacing Dog

• Work Instruction associated with the declaration of a Restricted Breed Dog

• Multi Animal Permit Work Instruction

• Multi Animal Permit Work Instruction with investigating dog attacks and rushing dogs

• Dog Incident Work Instruction associated with seizure and impounding of dangerous and restricted breed dogs

• Council’s animal registration form requires all owners of dogs to sign a declaration stating that the dog’s breed has been correctly identified and if it is or is not a restricted breed dog. Registration can be refused if this declaration is not signed

• All proposals to declare dogs to be menacing or dangerous are considered by Senior Council officers and declaration signed off by Manager

• Council includes the steps in DPI’s flowchart for Restricted Breed Declaration and Process in conjunction with COGG’s Identification and Declaration Process form. These forms includes the approved breed standard for any dog that falls within the standard of pit bull terrier

• A nominated Administration Officer enters details of all declared dogs on the Victorian Declared Dog Registry. This officer also updates the Victorian Dangerous Dog Register (VDDR) with details of declared dogs destroyed

• The VDDR is audited annually to ensure the details of all declared dogs in COGG are up to date

• All notices to comply, infringement notices and filing of charges for prosecution regarding dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs is undertaken in accordance with Council’s enforcement guidelines

• Operational procedures including work instructions are available to guide Officers in the performance of their duties. These are listed on Council’s file storage system

• Authorised Officers will attend VCAT hearings to hear appeals of declared dog owners when required

• Dog Handling Procedure and associated Risk Assessment

Our Current Education/Promotion Activities

• Provide residents with information on:

• The types of declared dogs and how they are to be identified and kept in compliance with the Act and Regulations, including prescribed collars, signage at premises, housing requirements, muzzling, etc

• How to report menacing dogs, dog bites

(See Registration and Identification Education/Promotion Activities section for methods of providing information to residents – Council website, mail outs, media articles, signage at parks, etc )

• Ensure all owners of declared dogs are aware of their obligations under the Act regarding identification and keeping these dogs by providing them with relevant sections of the Act, brochures, fact sheets/develop information kit

• Patrol industrial sites or building sites that may have guard dogs to promote legislative requirements

• As required communicate with owners with dogs on the Victorian Declared Dog Register (VDDR) to provide them with information on requirements and changes, to improve compliance

• Provide educational information on dangerous and menacing dogs/restricted breeds on Council website

• Provide all owners of registered Declared Dog with information requirements and updates on any legislative changes, to improve compliance

• Promote the Dangerous Dogs Hotline 1300 101 080

Our Current Compliance Activities

• Ensure that Council has effective declaration policies and procedures to avoid declarations being overturned at VCAT (establish partnerships with other Councils that have success at VCAT for ideas and assistance). Ensure Council has specific declaration procedures for each of type of declaration:

• dangerous dogs

• menacing dogs

• restricted breed dogs

• Ensure all declared dogs are accurately registered on the Victorian Declared Dog Registry and that details regarding change of owner/change of address/death of dog are updated as soon as possible. Link is www.ddvic.registry-service.com

• Ensure declared dog registration information on the Victorian Declared Dog Registry and Council’s registration database is the same

• Conduct inspections of declared dogs annually to ensure they are identified and being kept in compliance with the Act and Regulations

• Follow-up non-compliance issues until owner complies

• Respond to complaints regarding menacing dogs/dangerous dogs within Council guidelines

• Establish Council policies and procedures for non-compliance – infringements, prosecutions

• Patrol industrial and commercial areas/non-residential premises after hours to check dangerous dogs guarding premises have been declared, are identified as required (collar of the kind prescribed), and are being kept in compliance with the Act and Regulations

• Ensure all declared dogs are implanted with a microchip by scanning prior to renewal of registration

• Examine registrations on Council database to identify and follow-up on suspected (non-declared) restricted breed dogs

• Seize unregistered, suspected restricted breed dogs

• Actively prosecute owners of restricted breed and declared dogs involved in serious dog attacks

• Review all dog attack cases to determine if it is appropriate to declare a dog dangerous and commence the statutory declaration procedure

• Maintain a register of all declared dangerous/menacing dogs and restricted breed dogs registered and housed in the municipality to ensure Officers are aware of these locations

Summary

Over the next four years, Council will work to ensure that all dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs are kept in a manner which is compliant with the Code of Practice.

To achieve this aim Council Officers will regularly conduct inspections to monitor compliance. Where breaches of the code are observed, enforcement will be swift. Council Officers will work actively within the community to detect breaches and investigate complaints, providing education and information to help ensure a safer community.

Our Plans

• To continue to identify and register all Declared Dogs in the municipality

• Inspect and audit all Declared Dog premises to ensure they adhering to the keeping requirements

• Identify all suspected unregistered Restricted Breed Dogs and enforce the provisions of DAA

Objective 1: Identify and register all Declared Dogs in the municipality

Objective 2: Effectively inspect and audit all declared dog premises annually to ensure they are following the keeping requirements.

Objective 3: Identify all suspected unregistered Restricted Breed Dogs and enforce the provisions of DAA

OVERPOPULATION AND HIGH EUTHANASIA

Outline programs, services and strategies to address any over-population and high euthanasia rates for dogs and cats.

Current Situation

Due to the large cat population in Geelong many cats/kittens risk being euthanised due to trespassing and unidentified cats. Of the 3,227 impounded cats in 2011, 205 cats were claimed by their owner, 616 were rehoused and 2,406 were euthanased. Many of the euthanased cats were kittens.

In comparison dogs are more likely to be reunited with their owner. In 2011, of the 3,119 impounded dogs, 1,704 were claimed by their owner, 582 were rehoused and 833 dogs were euthanased. Not all dogs are suitable for rehoming due to temperament issues.

Because of the excess quantity of unclaimed animals Council’s Animal Pound reaches capacity due to overpopulation.

Council Policies and Procedures

Procedures associated with seizure and impounding of dogs and cats in the community

Enforcement strategy associated with issuing notices to comply, infringement notices and filing charges for prosecution regarding dogs and/or cats that are not desexed

State legislation is applicable in regards to:

• Seizure of documents

• Written agreements with animal shelters or community foster care networks to provide impounding or rehoming services

• Attendance at VCAT to hear appeals of dog and/or cat owners

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

• Promote the benefits of desexing – no surprise litters, fewer unwanted animals in the community, fewer animals euthanased, reduced aggression, reduced wandering

• Distribute desexing, overpopulation and high euthanasia rate brochures, fact sheets and other material developed by the Council

• Continue registration and microchipping programs to ensure pet cats and dogs can be returned to their owners (see ‘Registration and Identification’ section for activities), to reduce euthanasia rates

• Provide information on how to find a lost pet on Council website, and other material distributed by Council

Our current Compliance Activities

• Determine whether the municipality has an overpopulation of cats and/or dogs by analysing relevant statistics and other information

• Determine whether euthanasia rates of cats and dogs are acceptable or unacceptable to Council and the community

• Investigate reports of animal hoarding

• Investigate reports of unauthorised ‘backyard breeders’ to ascertain whether they should be registered as a domestic animal business

• Provide loan cat cages (free of charge) to local residents for trapping trespassing cats

• Review policies and procedures for impounded animals to investigate rehoming options

• Review policies and procedures on temperament testing of dogs and cats admitted to the pound

• Conduct patrols to pick up feral and stray cats and dogs to reduce breeding

• Introduced a cat curfew to reduce incidence of breeding with unowned cats, to decrease the number of unwanted litters in the community

Summary

City of Greater Geelong actively promotes desexing and RPO within the community through education and media programs including pet selection advice. Council works closely with their pound provider to develop business practices with an increased focus on rehousing animals. Council has also entered into a number of agreements with other Animal Shelters and Animal Rescue Groups in order to increase the opportunities to find homes for unclaimed dogs and cats which has significantly lowered the euthanasia rate over the past 12 months. Opportunities remain to further investigate compulsory desexing and to continue with cat trap loan program to reduce the number of stray or unwanted cats.

Our Plans

• Reduce the number of registered dogs and cats that are currently entire (and not part of a Domestic Animal Breeding Business)

• Raise the awareness of semi-owned cats in the area and reduce the number of feral cats

• Increase reclaiming and rehoming rates of dogs and cats impounded in the pound

Objective 1: Reduce the number of registered dogs and cats that are currently entire and not part of a Domestic Animal Breeding Business (DABs) each year.

Objective 2: Raise awareness about semi-owned cat population and reduce the number of feral cats in Geelong

Objective 3: Increase reclaims and rehoming rates of impounded dogs and cats from Council’s pound provider

DOMESTIC ANIMAL BUSINESSES

Outline programs, services and strategies which the Council intends to pursue in its municipal district to ensure that people comply with this Act, the regulations and any related legislation.

Current Situation

Council takes very seriously any reports of suspected ‘backyard breeders and any Domestic Animal Businesses (DABs) that may not be operating in accordance with the DAA and relevant Codes of Practice. Council will inspect and investigates these reports promptly to eliminate the risk to the community and to protect the welfare of animals involved. Council will continue to utilise all available legislation to control and manage Domestic Animal Businesses and eliminate any ‘backyard breeders’ within our municipality. As at December 2012 the following information was applicable:

• 10 registered Domestic Animal Businesses

• 15 boarding establishments

• 1 dog training business under consideration

All DABs are audited annually and followed up on non-compliance issues. Council also monitors all animals sold to ensure they have been microchipped and registered.

Council Policies and Procedures

• State Legislation applies to the management and operation of Domestic Animal Businesses

• Forms for registration and information DAB’s are available on Council website and at Council offices

• All DABs must be registered and audited annually

• Each registration to be individually considered against checklist as to whether specific conditions are required

• Council maintains a standard record/audit sheets on database of registered DABs

• Education and enforcement strategy associated with issuing notices to comply, infringement notices and filing charges for prosecution regarding management of dogs and cats

• Operational procedures including OHS Work Instructions are available to guide officers in the performance of their duties.

• Authorised Officers will attend VCAT hearings to hear appeals of proprietors of domestic animal businesses when and if required

Our Current Education/Promotion Activities

• Provide all DAB’s with relevant Codes of Practice

• BAW fact sheets on DABs available in Council offices and with website links established

Our Current Compliance Activities

• Register all DABs

• Conduct an annual audit of all DAB’s including relevant audit documentation

• Follow up any non-compliance as required

• Regular patrols for new/non-registered DAB’s – on notification

• Conduct random inspections of DABs

• Regular ‘Google’ and local paper check to search for possible undiscovered DABs

• Follow up registration on animals sold from DAB’s

• Conduct annual re-registration audits annually to allow any non compliance to be addressed

• Ensure that any non compliance with permit conditions is rectified using notices to comply, information sheets etc

• In cases of serious non compliance, permits may be suspended or cancelled

• Non complying DABs will not receive re-registration until legislative requirements are met

• Procedures in place for DAB’s to notify Council of any animals sol or given away

• Investigate all reported complaints about DAB’s within operational response timeframes

• Provide educational information to people making queries about setting up a DAB to let them know of all the requirements involved, before they start making too many plans

• DAB registration fees are set to reflect the cost of annual audits and inspections

• Investigate reports of unauthorised ‘backyard breeders’ to ascertain whether they should be registered as a DAB

Summary

Over the next four years, Council will work to ensure that all Domestic Animal Businesses are compliant with the Code of Practice and that ‘backyard breeders’ are eliminated.

To achieve this aim Council Officers will regularly conduct inspections to monitor compliance. Where breaches of the code are observed, enforcement will be prompt and relevant action take in accordance with the Act. Council Officers will actively work within the community to detect breaches and investigate complaints particularly in relation to ‘backyard breeders’, providing education and information to protect the welfare of animals.

Our Plans

• Ensure that all Animal Management Officers (AMOs) and their supervisors are updated on the legislation in relation to DABs

• Annually inspect and audit all registered DABs and investigate any suspected unregistered DABs.

• Identify and close down all illegally operating Domestic Animal Breeding establishments in the municipality

• Identify and register all Domestic Animal Businesses in the municipality

Objective 1: Ensure that all Animal Management Officers (AMOs) and their supervisors are updated on the legislation in relation to DABs.

Objective 2: Annually inspect and audit all registered DABs and investigate any suspected unregistered DABs.

Objective 3: Identify and close down all illegally operating Domestic Animal Breeding establishments in the municipality

Objective 4: Identify and register all Domestic Animal Businesses in the municipality

OTHER MATTERS

Provide for the review of any other matters related to the management of dogs and cats in the Council's municipal district that it thinks necessary

Current Situation

• AMOs are all authorised under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA Act) and actively investigate all reported animal cruelty matters. Assistance is also provided to the RSPCA in their investigations of alleged cruelty

• AMOs provides assistance to our community during emergencies and periods of community need. AMOs provide assistance to the State, Local Police when required during emergencies such as recovery or domestic issues

• Liaise with key stakeholders regarding animal management issues including access to public open spaces, control of domestic animals, canvassing on proposed Councils Orders

• Promote Responsible Pet Ownership through the community

• In-house Prosecutions Team dedicated to ensuring statutory obligations met, quality investigation briefs and cases managed efficiently and actively prosecuted in the relevant courts

Council Policies and Procedures

• Education and enforcement strategy associated with issuing notices to comply, infringement notices and filing charges for prosecution regarding management of dogs and cats

• Operational procedures including OHS Work Instructions are available to guide Officers in the performance of their duties

• City of Greater Geelong Emergency Management Plan (GEMP)

Our current Education/Promotion Activities

• Advise residents of fireworks situations in City News so owners can reduce animal fear and escape

Our current Compliance Activities

• Long established relationship with RSPCA

• Develop a contact list for regarding animal emergency planning – Council contacts, shelters, animal welfare organisations, DPI. And work out your arrangements with those contacts in the event of emergencies.

• Annual inspection of excess animal permit properties, particularly those with permit for large number of animals

• Establish Animal Management Liaison Group with neighbouring Councils for sharing of ideas, policies and procedures, etc

• Seek assistance from RSPCA and other authorised POCTA Act officers in implementing and enforcing the POCTA Act, Regulations and Codes of Practice (COPs)

Summary

The city of Greater Geelong is a municipality with great lifestyle and strengths that balances pet ownership with the needs of the community and the environment. The following principles underpin actions with regard to dogs and cats:

• The belief that pets contribute to our quality of life

• A requirement to balance the needs of those who own pets and those who do not

• To value responsible pet ownership

• Proactive animal management and education

• Ensuring the environment is protected from the negative impacts of dogs and cats

• To work in partnership with others

• Play a leadership role in animal management

Our Plans

• Promote emergency planning to ensure the welfare of animals in emergencies

• Continue to educate the community on responsible pet ownership and the benefits of pet ownership

• To provide a safe, balanced and harmonious community for all

Objective 1 Promote emergency planning to ensure the welfare of animals in emergencies:

Objective 2 Continue to educate the community on responsible pet ownership and benefits of pet ownership aimed at community harmony and reduced nuisances

ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLAN AND ANNUAL REPORTING

Council must

• Review its domestic animal management plan annually and, if appropriate, amend the plan

• Provide the Department of Primary Industries’ Secretary with a copy of the plan and any amendments to the plan

• Publish an evaluation of its implementation of the plan in its annual report.

Each year Council conducts a review of the Domestic Animal Management Plan. A copy of this review is presented to Council annually for information. This report is then forwarded to the Department of Primary Industries’ Secretary with any proposed amendments. Additionally a copy of this report is included in Council’s Annual Report which community have access to via Council’s website.

Annual and Ongoing activities will be reported in the following format

Yearly activities will be reported in the following format

Appendix 2

PROPOSED DOGS IN PUBLIC PLACES POLICY OUTLINE 2013 – 2017

As part of Council’s on going role and responsibility to implement effective domestic animal management strategies in accordance with its 2013-2017 Domestic Animal Management Plan, Council has revised its Dogs in Public Policy Outline.

This Policy Outline will guide the community with respect to understanding the dog control rules and conditions that apply in open public spaces to ensure community safety, environment protection and fair and equitable access to such spaces for all users.

Based on community feedback of both dog owners and non-owners, it is recognised that a range of controls are required to represent the needs of all public space users who have a mix of on leash and off leash opportunities for them and their dogs.

The Policy Outline will be complimented by area maps that clearly outline the dog control rules that apply for that location or site.   

In general, the municipality is declared an ‘On Leash - Controlled’ area except for all of those areas, public spaces and reserves that are specifically designated as ‘Off Leash – Supervised’ (dog friendly parks) where dogs are permitted to be effectively supervised off leash.

The following outlines the content of the policy.

Off Leash ‘Supervised’ Areas

Locations

Dogs are allowed off leash and supervised in specific designated public open space areas and/or any area as indicated by the relevant signage. This includes, amongst other public open spaces;

• those paths located on the Fyansford Common and the shared path on the northern side of the Barwon River upstream from the Queens Park Bridge to Fyansford Common including Zillah Crawcour Park);

• Sporting grounds/ovals (playing area) outside times when being used for organised sports, including training (as defined by a formal booking with council)

• Sporting complexes/reserves – outside times when being used for organised sports, including training (as defined by a formal booking with council)

• A range of Reserves as listed in the attachment to this policy

• A range of broad open space parks as listed in the attachment to this Policy and as per Map 2.

Council will review the effectiveness of these ‘Off Leash – supervised’ areas on an ongoing basis and will also consider any request for new ‘Off Leash – Supervised’ areas to be established based on the following criteria, which will ensure safety, and equitable access to such spaces.  These include:

• Linear open public spaces (i.e. green corridors, easements) may be considered if there is sufficient width to ensure safe use and passage

• Public open spaces that do not contain a playground or where the playground is fully enclosed/fenced.  Open public spaces with centrally located playgrounds are not suitable as an off leash (supervised) area

• Public open spaces that is located at a safe distance from busy roads

• Any other public open space not mentioned above that is not adjoining/adjacent a water body and that no wildlife is present

• A high level accessibility either by walking or a short drive

• That there is no detriment to safety or the environment through the use of such open public spaces

• Suitable open spaces will be reviewed annually to monitor performance and identify any additional reserves that may be suitable as off leash ‘supervised’ areas.

Conditions Applicable to ‘Off Leash - Supervised’ Areas

The following conditions must be followed when using the ‘Off Leash - Supervised’ Areas:

The handler must have a dog lead in their possession and place their dog back on the leash when leaving the off leash area.

• The handler must be able to demonstrate audible control of the dog.

• When encountering others/other dogs using this area, the dog must be recalled and restrained until both parties have moved apart at a safe distance.

• Dogs must remain in visual and audible range of their handler to allow it to be effectively recalled at any time.

• Dogs must not enter water habitats that contain wildlife or chase wildlife in these areas;

• Dogs attracted to the motion of wheels must be controlled at all times.

• Dogs declared menacing/dangerous/restricted breed are not permitted to be walked off-lead in ‘Off Leash – Supervised’ areas, and

• Dogs that are aggressive to people or other dogs, behave in an anti social manner, or are over excitable should be muzzled when in public and not to be off leash.

Signage

• Signs will clearly indicate those parks, reserves or public open spaces where dogs are permitted to be off a leash and supervised. (see Appendix 1 and 2)

On Leash ‘Controlled’ Areas

• Within the City of Greater Geelong, unless otherwise designated by signage, all public open space areas shall be designated as ‘On Leash - Controlled’ areas. Public Open Space Areas (includes roads, footpaths, beaches, reserves, parks, playgrounds and other council lands and buildings)

More specifically this includes:

• All roads and footpaths/nature strips.

• Shopping centres.

• High use areas pedestrian and/or cycling areas (for example the Waterfront Precinct in Geelong).

• Sporting complexes and reserves (not including playing area) during times of organised sports (as defined by a formal booking with council which includes times booked for sports practice/training).

• At Council sanctioned events, markets etc.

• Shared use paths or walking paths and including areas either side of the abutting edge of the path; (except those in designated ‘Off Leash – Supervised’ areas).

• Dogs being within and/or tethered within ten (10) metres of children’s play equipment.

• Dogs being within and/or tethered within ten (10) meters of picnic and barbecue areas (as defined by council provided barbecues and/or table and associated seating).

• In areas designated as environmentally significant

• Jetties and piers.

• Water bodies such as creeks, rivers, lakes, and beaches (ocean, bay) unless signposted as a dedicated swimming area for dogs.

• Beach foreshore and coastline areas (except those designated as off leash-supervised).
  

Conditions applying to all ‘On Leash Controlled Areas’ and ‘Off Leash Supervised Areas’

• The handler must at all times have a means to pick up and dispose of dog droppings – penalties apply.

• Dogs when tethered must never be left unattended anywhere e.g. play equipment, shopping precincts.

• Leads must not exceed 2 metres in length.

• Retractable leads must be restricted to 2 meters in length in ‘On Leash – Controlled’ areas, but may be used more liberally in ‘Off Leash - Supervised’ areas where there remains a need to have control over a dog.

Dog Control Categories

Dog Control Categories (applicable to coastline areas and other public open spaces as designated) will apply to reflect the needs of all public open space users and ensure community safety and environment protection.

Category 1 (Green) – Off leash ‘Supervised’ Area

• Areas where dogs are permitted off leash and supervised all year round.

Category 2 (Yellow) – Conditional Off Leash ‘Supervised’ Area

• Allow dogs off leash and supervised during specified times all year round; in the mornings prior to 10.00 a.m. and in the evenings after 5.00 p.m. Dogs would be required to be on leash at all other times.

• On land managed by the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management, allow dogs off leash and supervised at any times between May 1 and October 31 each year. Dogs would be prohibited during all other periods.

Category 3 (Blue) – Conditional On Leash ‘Controlled’ Area

• On land managed by the Barwon Coast Committee of Management, allow dogs on leash and controlled at any times between 1 December to 17 December and 1 February to 30 April each year. Dogs permitted off leash and supervised between 1 May to 30 November.

• Dogs would be prohibited at other times in designated areas as signed.

Category 4 (Brown) – On Leash ‘Controlled’ Area (includes Environmentally Sensitive Areas)

• Areas where dogs are required to be on leash all year round due to:

• environmental sensitivity

• where there is an Order by Council

• the land management authority (not being Council) has regulated dog access under their own rules or legislation

Category 5 (Purple) – Conditional On Leash ‘Controlled’ Area (Hooded Plover and Wildlife Zones)

• Allow dogs on leash during specified periods as designated by signage including periods during the hood plover nesting season and/or other periods dedicated to protecting other wildlife (i.e. seals, penguins). Dogs are permitted to be off leash and supervised at other times/periods.

Category 6 (Red) - Exclusion Area All Year Round

• Areas that will have dogs prohibited for reasons of:

• extremely high environmental sensitivity;

• where there is an Order by Council;

• the land management authority (not being Council) has prohibited dogs under their own rules or legislation (effected by a dog control order).

Designated ‘Off Leash - Supervised’ Areas