Council highlights new dog areas for Margaret River residents

In the wake of a decision to oust dog-lovers from some coastal recreation areas, the Augusta-Margaret River Shire Council has highlighted new suburban dog parks now available to residents. Four new areas were now in place, developed due to population growth. Gnarabup’s Back Beach was included along with spots on Brookfield Avenue and two in Parkwater. Dogs are now 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. The coastal changes were geared towards protecting nesting hooded plovers. Another report on dog exercise areas would go before the council next year looking at existing canine recreation areas at Nippers and Cowaramup ovals, plus the outcome of the Gnarabup trial. For more details, visit the council website at www.amrshire.wa.gov.au.