COUNCILLORS want to see more steps taken to encourage people to pick up after their dogs while using Bicentennial Park.
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Last month, Bathurst Regional Council discussed a report proposing changes to the off-leash dog times in the popular park.
The report also detailed some comments received from members of the public on a survey about dogs in the park, which included "a need to improve awareness of dog owners to pick up after their dogs and use the designated dog poo bins" and requests for additional bins in some locations.
Councillors were drawn to this part of the report and at the September 22 meeting called on council to take steps to improve the situation.
Dog waste in Bicentennial Park has been an issue for some time and, while the situation seems to have improved, it's not perfect.
"I will say that the amount of dog droppings that are along the concrete has decreased but the amount on the side of the paths on the grass, people are are just letting Lucky to go and do his business and not pick it up," councillor Warren Aubin said.
"Can we actually look at the numbers of those bag dispensers that are along there and maybe even some signage along those paths?"
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Cr Morse felt a major factor in the problem was the lack of bins in the areas people walk their dogs, as people are less likely to pick up after their dogs if they have to carry the bags a long distance to dispose of them.
"It's not exactly easy to get your bag into the bin, and I think the waste bins are a real problem. We were told originally that the rubbish collectors could only go into certain points ... it's not working, it really isn't," she said.
"Okay, we provide the bags - which I think everyone could buy their bags, they're not expensive - but there's no where to put them."
Council staff said they would take the suggestions on board.
While dog waste continues to be a problem, the director of Environmental, Planning and Building Services said council rangers couldn't be deployed to monitor for people who weren't picking up after their dogs.
As a result of last month's meeting, council will undertake a social media campaign to promote the off-leash areas in Bathurst.
The campaign is proposed to highlight where the 12 designated off-leash areas are, and would also touch on the need for pet owners pick up after their dogs "to ensure that our public spaces are kept clean and healthy for the enjoyment of all users".
Other responsibilities would be highlighted in the campaign, too.
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