Dogs and their owners in the Village of Clunes have a dog park dilemma. With a growing population of dogs and people, it seems the process of getting an off-leash dog park is complicated and expensive.

Clunes residents Chrissi and Jack Claff have joined the mission to get support and funds to make the new park a reality.

Read more news: Lismore vet clinics struggling to find local vets

Chrissi said their family loves taking their dog Millie for walks – and now they have also opened their hearts to two new puppies - Sassy and Chilli.

“We’re not the only ones with dogs here,” Chrissi said. “At least a quarter of the households here have dogs.”

Growing population

After living in Clunes for 32 years, Chrissie said because the village is growing in population of people and dogs, the need for a dog park is greater than ever.

“There are frequently dogs roaming free on the street, or at the cooperative,” she said. “They are seen as a problem - and they poop on the street.

“The people with dogs here also want to be able to socialise their dogs – and that’s an important aspect of having a fenced dog park.

“Old dogs need socialisation and puppies at puppy school need somewhere we can take them so they can meet others.”

“We want to gather more support for it – while Council supports it in principle, money is a barrier and we need to fundraise to get more money.

“So, we have been finding out what we need to make it happen and see who is interested in getting involved.”

Perfect site

Chrissi said the old Clunes school site on the hill next to the water tower has a grass block that would be perfect for a dog park – but the catch is, it needs a dog proof fence.

“It’s on an unused block of Council land that is maintained by Lismore Council,” she said.

“In order to have a dog park, we need a dog fence and the quote we have been given to get it done is very expensive.”

Cause for Paws

Jack said the idea to get a dog park originally started a few years ago with locals who were members of COSA (The Clunes Old School Association) and the Clunes Progress Association.

“COSA created ‘Cause for Paws’ so we could apply for and grants and raise for the dog park,” Jack said.

Survey

“At the time, 197 locals were surveyed - 194 of them supported an off-leash dog park - and only three didn’t want it.’

“Then the Open Space Assets officer from Lismore City Council agreed that the site between the Clunes Water Reservoir and the old Clunes Primary School was okay for the park.

“We also got some quotes from fencing contractors, and the costs were $16,000 to $20,000.”

“It was so expensive that without a grant, we couldn’t afford it.

Fencing requirements

“The main requirements are that is had suitable fencing and a double gate system, so that a dog can’t get out while another dog is coming in.

“We also need separate access for a ride on mower, so that the grass can be kept mown.”

Jack said that he thought a fence made from star pickets and pig or chook wire could be a cheaper way to fence the park.

“It would keep dogs enclosed and they could run around a decent sized area and play with each other,” he said.

More complications

Chrissi and Jack said locals were hesitant to spend money on a dog fence there because future housing development was potentially on the cards for the site.

“Lismore Council own the land and may want to use it to expand the water reservoir, or to put in an access road if the land behind the old school is sold and developed into housing blocks,” Jack said.

“There are no plans for either event to happen at the present time, but who knows what will happen in the future. 

“So, I contacted the Open Assets Officer and asked him about us having a cheaper fence.

“He told me that Council would not like the idea of a pig wire fence because they want something that looks attractive.

“He also said the wire may go rusty and fail which could cause problems with dogs escaping.

“He said that Council could only make plans based on the current situation and there was no plans for the land at this stage - but if we put up the fence and they needed the land back, they would look at compensation for moving the fence to a new site. 

“He also suggested we apply for grants such as the Stronger Country Community grant. 

“Although our project is known to Council’s grants officer, money is tight and I’m not optimistic about getting a grant anytime soon.”

Can you help?

Jack then put a call out to the Clunes Co-op Facebook page to gather more local support for the dog park. He said he received overwhelming support for the idea.

“The only objections raised were concerns about increased traffic on Walker Street and potential dog poo problems if owners did not clean up after the dogs,” he said

“I thought we could satisfy these objections and move the project forward.”

If you would like to offer support, money or help in fundraising, email [email protected]