POPULAR dog walking area Northern Beaches in Wangaratta will remain an off–leash area for canines following an outcry from the community.
Physical and mental health were cited as key reasons why dog owners and their pets should not be prohibited from roaming free while enjoying the bushland scenery and environment.
Councillors unanimously voted on keeping the area off–leash to dogs after it had previously been floated to make the walking track an on–leash area.
Some 103 submissions and a 233–signature petition responding to a list of proposed off–leash areas in the end had Northern Beaches added, and the rodeo grounds removed as an off–leash area.
Local dog owner Frank Vickers makes the most of the area mainly in summer to give his dog Nina a chance to have a swim at the river.
"It's a great area to train a young dog off–leash as it's a safe area to do so," he said.
"Dogs are like family members, and owners want to give them the best experience possible, which this location offers."
Mr Vickers said it was good that council listened on this topic and it was a case of common sense prevailing.
Other areas on the off–leash list are Will Park Reserve, Collyn–Dale Drive Parkland, South Wangaratta Sporting Reserve, Creek View End Reserve, Mitchell Avenue Dog Park, and Targoora Park.
All councillors support the move to reward owners and their pets with ongoing leash–free amenity while walking in the area.
Cr Harry Bussell thanked the submitters to the agenda item which drew a lot of feedback in July.
"I'd like to thank all the people who took the time to write in submissions, it's very, very important," he said.
"In the Australian landscape, dogs walking off–lead is not something new and I think we acknowledge the health benefits, particularly since COVID, of having pets.
"It might be a balancing act between our city environment and dogs but at the end of the day the benefits to our people here in having pets, with happy people and happy pets, far outweighs anything else."
Cr Jack Herry said it was "absolutely important" to help maintain the health of our community as dog walking in a bush environment can have physical and mental health benefits.
"It definitely is a balancing challenge and it's very rare that you can strike the perfect balance," Cr Herry said.
"There was a lot of indication that dogs don't necessarily have a negative impact on an environmental area, but I am not at all convinced of this.
"When a dog is running off–lead, who knows what it's doing in the bushes but ultimately, conversely I don't really see a solid evidence base why dogs need to be on–leash."
Cr Irene Grant said the inclusion of Northern Beaches on the list was a good outcome.
She noted that there was room to improve the management of the area against noxious weeds and feral pests, and this could be achieved in future with the help of several people who use it regularly.
Cr Dean Rees reiterated that council is listening to the people who write submissions to agenda items and sign petitions and the addition of Northern Beaches as an off–leash area was proof of this.
