Margaret River Coastal Residents Association calls on more rangers for Shire of Augusta-Margaret River

Coastal residents have called for more rangers to meet an increase in people using the beach and flouting dog laws. Margaret River Coastal Residents Association president Adrian Wilson said the “difficult job” needed bolstering with more resources as coastal residents report an increase in problems. Recent changes around beach dog exercise areas as well as the sheer number of people now using the coast meant existing rangers were too limited in the numerous tasks demanding their time. “We do not have enough rangers considering the size of the Augusta-Margaret River shire,” Mr Wilson said. “Dealing with people, in a nice way, who choose not to comply with local rules is extremely difficult. “Especially so in a small community when locals who may know the ranger choose to flout the rules. “My experience is that we have a very high standard of ranger in the shire who are often put under pressure by people who do the wrong thing.” Dogs and rowdy holiday homes were some of the biggest issues faced. However, Shire legal and governance manager Ian McLeod said the local government was already looking at putting on more resources. “The Shire is currently in the recruitment process of employing two compliance support officers to assist rangers with dog control, illegal camping and firebreak inspections over the summer months,” he said. “The successful candidates will start early December for a three-month contract. “This is not attributable to the Coastal Residents Association’s request, but a resource decision made a while ago to cater for increased demands.” Mr Wilson acknowledged it would be difficult to justify extra rangers during the quieter off season. “Summer, however, with bushfire compliance and high visitor numbers etc., means rangers are very busy with resources stretched,” he said. Last month, the council approved more changes to dog exercise areas that removed extra sections of the coast near Riflebutts, while adding new areas to residential enclaves including a proposed fenced enclosure at Brookfield. Previously, the Shire has noted a core group of repeat offenders among dog owners living near the coast. Mr Wilson urged residents to consider the difficult job rangers faced and “do the right thing so that unnecessary interaction and conflict doesn’t occur”.