PUB

Research Report

Qualitative research on Park Usage conducted in 2003.

Submission to Council regarding the LCAMP

To: Mr Peter Head
General Manager, Leichhardt City Council

Cc. Maire Sheehan - Mayor of Leichhardt City
Leichhardt Council
PO Box 45
Leichhardt 2040

11 December 2003

Dear Mr Head,

Possible Amendments to the Companion Animals Act

We are writing to you because there has been speculation and unrest during the past year by the users of the Balmain parks and ovals about the imminent promulgation of a new amended 'Companion Animals Act', which, we fear, may force more on-leash restrictions upon dog users. As proactive residents, walkers, responsible pet owners and park users in general we have surveyed extensively our local area to get an understanding of the attitudes of park users and the influences our animals have on our neighbours.

We have surveyed 311 (a) residents in the Balmain area and believe that the results will assist you to make any decision on the possible introduction of a newly revised Companion Animals Act. The survey, which was undertaken over several weeks, has been professionally scrutinised, analysed and tabulated by 'Taverner Research Company'. We have selected a few of the most obvious statistics and have outlined them below. As validation, we have attached the Questionnaire and the Survey results in their entirety.

The most objective and pertinent information we have obtained is in the areas of Park Usage; Complaints and Comments on improvements that included litter and maintenance concerns; and the public's attitude towards dogs and dog owners. The principal results of these findings follow:

Park Usage

o The survey indicates that 44% (b) of the people surveyed use the parks
on a daily basis; of these, 71% (c) are dog owners.

Complaints and Comments on Improvement

o Of the 114 (d) people answering Q4 (e), 92 complained about the litter
left by visitors whilst 38% (f) had no problems with the parks as they are.

o 75 people made comments to Q5, 73 (g) reiterating their desire for less litter and 14% (h) wanting improved maintenance. Only 1% (i) had any complaints about dogs off leash.

Attitudes towards Dogs and Dog Owners

o The question was asked; if residents thought dogs were a problem in parklands. 82% (j) responded no; 16% (k) responded yes, of which, 21% (l) are not dog owners.

In summary, the most significant complaint regarding the parks is litter: the vast majority (82%) of residents have no problems with dogs at all, most in fact believe parks to be the perfect venue where people who are unable to own a pet, can interact with dogs. We believe that growing up understanding and enjoying the companionship of dogs, even if they are not your own or a family pet, is part of being an Australian.

Please note that we obtained our pets on the understanding that the current Companion Animals Act would remain extant and that we could exercise and enjoy our animals in the park areas of our neighbourhood within the terms of that Act.

We request that you check the statistics attached and make any decisions regarding 'on and off leash areas' based on unbiased facts obtained professionally and not on the agitation and actions of a demanding 'dog-in-the-mangerish' (please excuse the inverted pun) minority group.

Please could this letter be included in your Council papers concerning this matter and issued separately to all councillors and council staff providing advice to Council and prior to this Tuesday's meeting to be held on 16 December, 2003.

If you require any further information or clarification regarding any of the above could you please contact one of our representatives below.

Please can we be advised of the date and time when this matter is on the Council agenda papers for debate. We also request that we be invited to address Council on this matter when it is debated. .

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Rowena Morgan
Treasurer
Park Users, Balmain

For
President: Dawn Fraser
Secretary: Gail Trapp
Treasurer: Rowena Morgan

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