Stirling councillor objects to $155,000 cost of dog fence at Lake Gwelup

A CITY of Stirling councillor “could not believe the cost” of implementing a proposed $155,000 dog fence at Lake Gwelup open space.

The council endorsed a citywide project for fenced dog parks at ovals throughout the City and to consider the Gwelup fence for the 2016-17 budget. .

Cr Elizabeth Re questioned the cost of the project when the item was presented at the May 31 council meeting.

“I could not believe the cost, it seems to be over what people have thought,” she said.

“We need to be strategic with the public purse.

“Not all people with dogs want a fence.”

Cr Andrew Guilfoyle said the dog fence plan was a good idea “in principle”.

“I have some concerns over the consultation process,” he said.

“I want residents to have a say.”

Stirling infrastructure director Michael Littleton said the intent was to “broadly consult with the public”.

Cr Karen Caddy said feedback from residents would be helpful.

“We have to be careful where we put them but that will come out in the consultation process,” she said.

The report said the estimated operational costs of the Lake Gwelup dog park would be $25,000.

In March 2013 the City constructed the Inglewood Oval dog park which has been “well received” by residents according to the council report.

“Dogs parks are in high demand and a 2014 user survey showed 60 per cent of people using the Inglewood facility were local,” the report said.

“The existing Inglewood facility is currently over-utilised.”

The fenced dog parks strategy, to be rolled out over five years will be put forward for public consultation.

Proposed Stirling fenced dog park rollout and estimated costs over five years:

– Lake Gwelup Regional Open Space (Gwelup) -$155,000

– Celebration Park (Balga) – $80,000

– Dianella Regional Open Space (Dianella) -$150,000

– Robinson Reserve (Tuart Hill) – $95,000

– Carine Regional Open Space (Carine) – $180,000