Augusta-Margaret River Shire says dog owners have backed new exercise areas

Augusta-Margaret River Shire rangers say residents have adjusted well to a change in dog exercise areas late last year which sparked massive debate. Rangers have issued just three warnings since the changes went through, which stopped allowing people to take their dogs to Gas Bay. The changes were geared towards protecting nesting hooded plovers by introducing exercise areas in Brookfield and Parkwater to address population growth. Gnarabup’s Back Beach was included in the new spots, but dogs were banned south of Back Beach and north of Boodjidup Beach in Gnarabup, including Gas Bay and Grunters, with a trial of the new restrictions to run until March 15. “Rangers frequent the Gnarabup prohibited dog area at various time throughout the day,” ranger services co-ordinator Narelle Graue said. “The observations to date have been that the dog-walking community has responded well and have been compliant to the prohibition that was put in place in December. “Rangers are appreciative of the goodwill by the vast majority of the community and the collective efforts to manage dog ownership with environmental management.” Coastal residents told the Times there would be a co-ordinated call to reinstate Gas Bay and Grunters once the trial finished.