Dogs in Lane Cove - Shared Open Spaces

As both a dog and pet business owner in Lane Cove, Helena knows that dogs are an essential part of many families.

She couldn’t imagine life without her own dog and know many people feel the same way.

Helena Greenwell is a pet owner runs a pet business too.

As a daily user of many local parks and sports fields in Lane Cove, Helena has had the privilege of experiencing and becoming part of several wonderful communities of dog owners. It's clear to her that these spaces are more than just areas for exercising and socialising dogs—they also play a vital role in allowing people to connect and socialise.

As our population increases, demand for access to grassed sports fields will increase.

But we don’t have many grassed fields, so it becomes a question of how they are shared.

Sport is also a great way of bringing people together. But sports players use these valuable open spaces at limited times.

It’s clear from discussions with sports players and dog owners that it’s understood, on both sides, that these spaces must remain shared and for the whole community to enjoy.

We commit to working to ensure that pet owners will have access to all natural grass sports fields in Lane Cove.

To further support dog owners in our community, we will advocate for:

•   More education for pet owners about their responsibilities (particularly new owners)

•   Consultation with pet owners regarding any changes to dogs’ access to public spaces

•   Trial of a dog-swimming area in Lane Cove

We look forward to supporting both dog owners and sports players so that the whole community can continue to enjoy use of community spaces.

Authorised by Meredith Southwood, 17 Mitchell Street, Greenwich NSW 2065