The Hilltops Council's proposed relocation of the fenced dog off-leash park from the Showground to Jack Howard Reserve is on the public record, but not everyone is happy about it.
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The Council has $25,000 in reserve funds for the project but acknowledges to make the dog park fully functional would require at least an additional $110,000.
Council general manager Anthony McMahon said Jack Howard Reserve would be an ideal location for a dog park because it is less than one km from the CBD, and within easy walking distance for many residents.
"However, to fully utilise the site we'd require an increased budget which would include fencing, signage, noticeboard, pathways, road/kerb treatment, water connection and drainage, infrastructure – bubblers, seating, bag dispensers and bins," he said.
"The existing Plan of Management for Jack Howard Reserve would need to be amended and readvertised for public comment prior to the project commencing, and capital funds would need to be to be considered in future budget allocations."
But Young resident's Beila and Larry Wordsworth do not want the dog park to go ahead.
"I am opposed to the relocation of the dog off-leash park to Jack Howard Reserve on many grounds," Mrs Wordsworth said.
"The Council does not have the money for the project; the proposed dog run is to cost approximately $132,900 according to Council estimates.
I think the money could be better spent elsewhere.
- Beila Wordsworth
"The Council is $1.4 million in the red already as a result of the amalgamation, and I think the money to be set aside for a dog run could be better spent elsewhere."
Mr Wordsworth said the proposed site would be an eyesore.
"The Reserve was landscaped by the Young Community Landcare Group as part of their endeavour to beautify Burrangong Creek as it makes its way through the town of Young, and the proposed reuse of the land would degrade this area," he said.
"The approaches to a town are very important. Visitors need to see a town that takes pride in itself by creating a good visual impression. A dog run on this site would degrade this image, the site at present is very pleasing to the eye.
"I don't think this resolution is in the best interests of the ratepayers of Hilltops Council and I think others may agree if they were aware of the situation."
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
