Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s latest review of dog exercise areas closes this weekend

Shire of Augusta-Margaret River residents have just a couple of more days to comment on possible changes to dog exercise areas across the shire and along the coast. This latest review follows a commitment made at the end of 2021 when major changes to where dogs were permitted on some beaches riled residents. The review closes on Sunday and is open to all residents whether they own dogs or not and will guide the allocation of recreational space in residential areas as well as along the coast. Late last year the council overruled the concerns of Gnarabup dog lovers to change access to beaches around Gas Bay while introducing new areas for Parkwater and Margaret River subdivision residents. Despite a strong campaign, including an 1194-signature petition gathered by retired teacher and Gnarabup regular Gary Gibbon, the council voted in December to introduce the changes amid concerns regular dog beach attendees weren’t following guidelines and were causing beach erosion and harm to the beach-nesting hooded plover. That decision also prompted further consultation as part of a 12-month trial. The new review covers existing dog exercise areas including Augusta, Rosa Brook and Witchcliffe, beach enclaves at Gracetown and Gnarabup, and in Cowaramup and Margaret River. The shire also noted the trial area on Margaret River’s Nippers Oval “continues to have significant issues with dog poo being left on the oval as well as turf damage caused by an increased number of users, particularly during the rainy season”. Ranger services co-ordinator Narelle Graue said the review sought to balance environmental protection and the amenity of dog owners. “The rangers’ role is to support the community by educating dog owners on responsible pet ownership and provide the community with a safe environment,” she said. “By registering your dog, we know where all the dogs live and when they are lost we can quickly reunite them with their owner.” The online survey closes on July 24 at yoursay.amrshire.wa.gov.au/lets-talk-dog-exercise-areas.