Dogs to be given an off-leash area in Engadine-Heathcote area

Sutherland Shire Council unanimously agreed at its October meeting staff should identify a location by early next year.

This followed a motion moved by Cr Carmelo Pesce and seconded by Cr Diedree Steinwall, both of whom are D Ward councillors.

At present, there are six areas in the shire where dogs are allowed off leash at varying times of the day and year (the council website has full details).

The off-leash areas are:

Cr Pesce said the community of D Ward, in particular the residents of Engadine and Heathcote, had been asking for many, many years for a dog off-leash park in that area.

"We have dog off-leash areas pretty much in the rest of the shire, but for some reason poor D Ward has missed out," he said.

Cr Greg McLean, the third D Ward councillor, supported the proposal "on behalf of my wife and my dog Alby, who live in Engadine".

"He is a golden retriever and is keen to play with dog friends without having to go all the way across to Barden Ridge," he said.

Cr McLean said another off-leash park at Kirrawee was also a long way to go.