Shire of Waroona flips on decision to have off-leash dog area at popular Drakesbrook Weir

The Waroona Shire Council have chosen not to allow dogs the freedom to roam at a popular fishing spot close to town.

At their latest meeting, councillors voted to keep all dogs on leash next time they visit Drakesbrook Weir, deciding against plans put on the table earlier this year.

The council announced plans at its February meeting to introduce prohibited dog zones within the region and identify leashed areas and areas where dogs could be off-leash.

As part of the plan, the council proposed to divide the shore surrounding Drakesbrook Weir into separate areas.

Dogs would have remained banned from the grassed area closest to the car park, while the northern forested area was identified as a dog off-lead exercise area.

The plans have been met with some resistance, with one comment totally opposed to the proposal.

“That section is a prime fishing destination used by bank anglers and has been for over five decades that I have been visiting this dam,” they said.

“The last thing we want is disobedient dogs jumping in the water and spooking our fish.”

At the latest meeting, councillors were presented with three options for the weir division. One would see the entire northern shore forested area labelled as an exercise area, another would restrict dogs to a small section of the shore, and the third would keep dogs on leashes around the entire shoreline.

Cr Karen Odorisio supported the third option, which untimely passed.

“I believe dogs should be on leads; I don’t think they should be able to roam,” she said.

“There have been incidents where people have dogs roaming around, and the owners don’t call them back or say they are fine, but it only takes one to bite a child.”

Cr Odorisio also emphasised the importance of trout fishing at the weir.

She said having dogs off-lead around people trying to fish would not be a fair situation.

Council documents also discussed the potential of transforming the old skate park into a potential dog exercise area, as it is no longer used since the opening of Railside Park earlier this year.

The council noted that the old fenced skate park could continue to be used as a suitable meeting place for owners with small dogs, but it would be impractical to convert the park into a purpose-built dog park at this point as the costs are too high, and other dog exercise options within the shire are already being proposed.

But the council will continue to allow groups to use the old skate park as an informal dog socialisation space for the time being.