The community presently has an opportunity to respond to management control of companion dog access to the Ocean Grove Main Beach.
Importantly an advised priority of the control assessment program; ‘Access and equity for all’, this with other priorities assessed within; ‘consideration of physical fitness and mental health benefits of dog ownership and the benefits of their companionship in public place.’
Ocean Grove Main Beach provides an opportunity for inclusive community use featuring an all-abilities pedestrian access ramp to the beach positioned near the east end of the promenade.
The opportunity for fully inclusive use of the beach is presently encumbered by the designated extent of the companion dog prohibited zone for the year two (2022) of the trial, that extent being the west end of the promenade. In 2021, year one of the trial the designated extent at the Main Beach of the companion dog prohibited zone did not incorporate the all-abilities pedestrian ramp to the beach.
The open community engagement survey being conducted at this time presents an opportunity to advocate for the priority of inclusive equity of access, that to make available the all-abilities pedestrian ramp for any individual to use with a companion dog to move onto the beach for the experience and benefits.
In completing the engagement survey, please act at Question 21 to make the extra observation of support for the inclusive opportunity of availability of the all-abilities pedestrian ramp for individuals’ access with a companion dog to experience the beach in keeping with the applicable
seasonal controls for beach access with a companion dog.
Warren Chapman, Ocean Grove
