THEY cannot vote but our canine companions are the latest beneficiaries of election funding promises in the northern suburbs.
West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti announced this week an elected Labor government would provide $200,000 to the City of Wanneroo for a dedicated dog park in Banksia Grove.
She said she would work with Banksia Grove Residents’ Association and the community to find the best place for the park.
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READ NOW“Banksia Grove has many dog owners and a new dog park will mean that they can enjoy the open space without impacting on other park users,” she said.
“I hope the project can get underway as soon as possible.”
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Funding would be allocated as part of the party’s Local Projects, Local Jobs fund, sourced from the reallocation of money from the forward estimates.
Banksia Grove dog owner Sigrid Matthews gave her support to the project.
“I think it’s such a great idea to open up a designated off-lead dog park where all the dogs can socialise and won’t bother other people who choose to keep their dogs on lead,” she said.
“There had been so much discussion of a dog park with all of us that meet down at Discovery Park and it would be something I think the community of Banksia Grove and surroundings definitely needs and would be extremely popular.”
The potential facility also found favour with Liberal candidate for West Swan Rod Henderson but it would need backing from his party.
Mr Henderson said as a dog owner he was aware of the value of dog parks and after talking with residents it was clear there was “room for such a facility”.
“If elected, I will fight hard to secure funding for a dog park in Banksia Grove, working with both the State Government and the local council to secure the best possible outcome for residents,” he said.
“I have already inquired with the State Government on this important local matter.”