Agenda Item 9.2

Report No. 165/16ts

TO: TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE - MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2016

SUBJECT: PROPOSED DOG PARK

AUTHOR: ADMINISTRATION PROJECT OFFICER - CINDY SAVAGE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report is submitted to council for consideration to install dog enclosures in some of the existing parks.

RECOMMENDATIONThat it be a recommendation to Council:

That Council provide direction

REPORT

1. BACKGROUND

Council received a letter from a local resident asking Council to consider fixing small dog enclosures in some of the existing parks. (Attachment A - Letter from Judith Larson and Peer Schroter)

2. DISCUSSION

Currently Council has 33 parks that are accessible for dog owners to take dogs off the leash from the hours of 5am to 8am and 5pm to 8pm only.

Council previously requested that the Technical Services Department investigate installing a Pet and Regional Park to service the Northside of Alice Springs. (Attachment B - Report 105/1 Its)

The proposed location of the pet park was to be at Rotaract Park. Rotaract Park is located between Angguna Avenue and Madigan Street Northside Alice Springs. Rotaract Park is Crown land under the Department of Lands Housing the Alice Springs Town Council maintains Rotaract Park for the NT Government. Due to the large number of residents backing directly onto Rotaract Park it is possible that the residents may not appreciate a dog enclosure so close to their homes.

The letter received from the local resident requested enclosures for small dogs only. This would not address residents who own large dogs.

An alternative option would be to install a fenced area with small obstacles at the western end of the Community Park between Dixon Road and Sargent Street and another area to the east of the park for larger dogs. The Pet Park could be utilised by all residents of Alice Springs for both large and small animals. This park is well shaded and water is available, there is also opportunity to utilise the natural elements such as logs and mounds to create an agility course. (Attachment C- Plan showing designated area for dog enclosures for both Rotaract Park and the Community Park)

Report No. 165/16ts Agenda Item 9.2Page .../2

The Technical Service Department and costing (Refer Attachment D - Itemised costing list) the total cost for the Pet Park is approximately $158,000.

3. POLICY IMPACTS

Nil

4. FINANCIAL IMPACTS

$158,000.00 funding from the Parks Infrastructure budget.

5. SOCIAL IMPACTS

Access to enclosure for dog to exercise off leads.Overall improved facilities for the general public

6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Nil

7. PUBLIC RELATIONS

Public consultation and comment would be recommended.

8. ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A: Letter from Judith Larson and Peer Schroter Attachment B: Council Report No: 105/1 Its Attachment C: Plan showing designated area for dog enclosures Attachment D: Itemised costing list

OJECT OFFICER

/eg BuxtonIRECTOR TECHNICAL SERVICES

JUDITH LARSSON PEER SCHROTER

6 Auster Court (PO Box 3956)

ALICE SPRINGS NT 0871

Telephone: 8953 4990 Mobile (Judith): 0407 461 978

Email: povevs@ozemail.com.au

Friday, 7 October 2016

Chief Executive Officer Alice Springs Town Council Civic Centre, Todd Street Alice Springs NT 0871

Attention: Mr Rex Mooney

Dear Mr Mooney,

SMALL DOG PARKS FOR ALICE SPRINGS

The Australian Veterinary Association estimates that there are approximately 4.2 million dogs in Australia; 19 dogs for every 100 people, with 39% of households owning a dog. Obviously these come in many shapes and sizes (and temperaments!). We own a small breed dog, which is very much part of the family.

It is not uncommon to see people regularly enjoying the company of their dogs, walking, playing and generally spending time with them in our wonderful parks in Alice Springs.

Unfortunately these activities also have a negative aspect to them, insofar as some larger animals, either due to their nature, temperament, breeding or lack of control can cause concern (even fear) if left to run unsupervised. No doubt you are well aware of dog attacks (against other animals or persons) which occur from time to time in Alice Springs.

We live near the Frank McEilister Community Park in Araluen, and have enjoyed using it for walking our small dog (always on a lead). It is also used extensively by groups, families, and children, often using the provided play area and fitness equipment

That Park is noted on the Council's website as suitable for allowing off lead walking at certain times. Whilst by and large most dog owners are responsible and supervise their pets, we have noticed an increasing occurrence of large dogs

-2-

CEO Alice Springs Town Council 7 October 2016

seemingly either off lead or not sufficiently under control. Our dog was attacked In that Park by another large dog a few years ago, and nearly died as a result.

Unfortunately the prevalence of such activities has resulted in us being quite concerned for the safety and well-being of our dog when utilising the Park, to such an extent that it is now seldom taken out to enjoy the Park.

However, many local government authorities throughout Australia have set aside a separate secured area In some of their parks specifically for small dogs to run free and exercise (with their owners!). The obvious benefits of socialisation (of dogs and humans...) within a safe and secure environment for smaller and generally harmless breeds would encourage greater participation and use of the Council's amenities, whilst at the same time mitigating the risks of serious dog attacks in public places.

Whilst the creation of such areas does involve some infrastructure (secure fencing, perhaps some landscaping or activity areas), having small dog parks in Alice Springs would in our view encourage owners of small dogs to feel comfortable in taking themselves and their companions outdoors to enjoy such municipal facilities.

Accordingly we would like to suggest that the Council incorporate a number of small secured dog parks in its existing parks to cater for owners of small dogs and their pets on the above basis.

It would be appreciated if the Council would favourably consider this proposal, which we sincerely view as having multiple benefits to Alice Springs ratepayers, visitors and their pets, and adding to the general amenity of our community.

Yours faithfully,

Agenda Item 9.7

Report No. 105/1 Its

TO: TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE - 16 MAY 2011

SUBJECT: PROPOSED PET AND REGIONAL PARK AT ROTARACT PARK

AUTHOR: MATTHEW RAYMOND - PROJECT OFFICER

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report is submitted to council for consideration for a new all access Regional and a Pet Park located in Rotaract Park Northside

RECOMMENDATIONSThat it be a recommendation to Council:-

That Council approach the NT Government for funding for both a Pet Park and a Regional Park to service Northside Alice Springs

REPORT

1. BACKGROUND

Council has requested the Technical Services Department to investigate the possibility of a Pet Park and a Regional Park to service Northside Alice Springs

2. DISCUSSION

The proposed location of these 2 parks will be at Rotaract Park. Rotaract Park is located between Angguna Avenue and Madigan Street Northside Alice Springs, (Refer Attachment A) Rotaract Park is Crown land under the Department of Lands Housing the Alice Springs Town Council maintains Rotaract Park for the NT Government.

The Technical Service Department has put together a proposed plan (Refer Attachments B.C&D) and costing (Refer Attachment E) for the Parks the cost for the Pet Park is around $760,000 and the cost for a Regional Park including BMX component is approximately $1,090,000Council would have to approach the NT Government with the 2 proposed Parks and seek funding for approximately $1,850,000Both the Regional Park and the Pet Park could be utilised by all residents of Alice Springs

It’s the recommendation of the Technical Service Department to seek funding from the NT Government for. a Regional and Pet Park to be located at Roteract Park Northside Alice Springs.

3. POLICY IMPACTS

NIL

Report No. 105/1 Its Agenda Item 9.7Page ...12

4. FINANCIAL IMPACTS

Council will need to apply to the NT Government for funding of $1,850,000

5. SOCIAL IMPACTS

Better access to parks for disabled persons and controlled off leash area for pets. Overall improved facilities for the general public

6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Nill

7. PUBLIC RELATIONS

Public consultation and comment would be recommended.

8. ATTACHMENTS

A: Conceptual drawing 001 overall layoutB: Conceptual drawing 002 all access areaC: Conceptual drawing 003 pet areaD: Conceptual drawing 004 BMX areasE: Cost breakdown of park development.

Matthew RaymondPROJECT OFFICER TECHNICAL SERVICES

RECTOR TECHNICAL SERVICES

CYCLE PATH

BMX TRACK

PET PARK 60mX20m

ALL ACCESS TOILET BLOCK

ALL ACCESS PUBLIC PARK

| RHONDA DIAHO OVAL

F"1- 1 ■. 3$"-j i

Bl • ,r-3jfl

fe CARPARKSjlWS&l^^3 < r

58-gP -galfl|

StfA 'iffSS

. 1 L-J,k L SMi' sB&x&57 m

Alice Springs

ALICE SPRINGS TOWN COUNCILCNR TODD STREET AND GREGORY TBiRACE PHONE: (08)89 500500FAX: (08)89 530558

REGIONAL PARK AT ROTORACT PARK

ATTACHM ENT A - MASTER PLANREV DESCRIPTION OATH

DRAWING NUMBER: 001 AMENDMENT:

DESIGNED:

SURVEYED:

DRAWN: MR

SCALE:

DATE

SHEET:

NTS

04 MAY 2011

001 OF 004

CARPARK

ALL ACCESS AREA

ALICE SPRINGS TOWN COUNCILATTACHMENT B - ALL ACCESS AREA

Alice Springs

ALICE SPRINGS TOWN COUNCILAlice Springs

CUR TOOO STREET AMO GREGORY TERRACE PHONE (04)89500500FAX: (08) 89 530558

REGIONAL PARK AT ROTORACT PARK ATTACHMENT D-BMX TRACK ~

OESCRFBOM DATE

DRAWING NUMBER: 004 AMENDMENT:

1U DIALS

SCALE NTS

DATE M MAY 2011

SHEET: 004 OF 004

Proposed Regional All access and Pet park at Rotaract parkAll Access General public component

All Access Public Toilets - Similar to Snow Kenna Park All access play equipment and associayed access ramps General play equipmentCarpark including bollards and gates 420m2 Hotmix @ $ 135/m2 =Security Lighting and designDrinking fountainsSinage Tactile indicators etc.Electric BBQ x 3 @ $9000 eaShade structures table seats concrete slab x 5 @ $15500 ea Administration costs NT Government BMX TrackConsultatuation design and certificationTotal All Access Component

$340,000.00$52,000.00

$270,000.00$58,000.00

$245,000.00$8,300.00$4,300.00

$27,000.00$46,500.00

$2,500.00$18,000.00$15,000.00

$1,086,600.00

Pet park Component compound 60m x 20m

Fence and 2 entry gates 1200m x $350/m Child and dog proof $424,000.00Carpark including bollards and gates 470m2 Hotmix @ $ 135/m2 = $65,450.00Cycle track demolition and reinstatement 750m x 2.4m @ 300/m $225,000.002 x Shade structures table seats concrete slab $18,000.00Pet Equipment $16,000.00Pet watering fountains including associated plumbing $4,500.00Public drinking fountain including associated plumbing $4,000.00Litter bins $800.00Pet Feacies bins $800.00Sinage $1,400.00Total Pet Park $759,950.00

Total Estimated Cost $1,846,550.00

PET COMPOUND COSTS

Fence and Entry gates 240m X $400/m Child and Dog proof $96,000.00

2 Shade structures $20,000.00

Tables and seats on Concrete slab x 2 $5,000.00

Water fountain for dogs x 2 $5,000.00

Public drinking fountain x 2 $5,000.00

Litter bins $2,000.00

Doggie doo bins $2,000.00

Signage $3,000.00

Doo aqilitv equipment $20,000.00

Total $158,000.00