Northern Beaches Council has rescinded a weekend and public holiday ban on the off-leash exercising of dogs at a part of Manly Lagoon Park.

The former Council Administrator put the ban in place in August.

Mayor Michael Regan said the vote was unanimous.

“Council recognises both the benefits of unleashed dog exercise areas to community well-being and the importance of managing impacts on the amenity of nearby residents and other park users.

“With an estimated 42,000 dogs living on the Northern Beaches, Council also resolved to further examine the issue of how ‘dog parks’ successfully operate elsewhere in Australia and overseas, looking at what improvements can be made on the Northern Beaches in providing facilities for dogs and their families,” Mayor Regan said.

Council has allocated $400,000 over the next four years to upgrade dog exercise areas and will also undertake community education and training for dog owners and, where necessary, take appropriate action to deal with nuisance caused by barking dogs.

“In response to the community feedback, Council will continue to support, promote and reinforce

responsible pet ownership in a positive way through education and information and to deliver a

consistent, integrated approach to carrying out Council’s responsibilities,” Mayor Regan said.

Council will investigate best practise in provision and management of facilities in our parks for dogs. This information and ideas from our community will help Council develop a long term plan for our parks including any limits on when dogs can be exercised off-leash.