We listened and acted!

In early July and August 2021, we asked our community to vote on three proposed changes to three current animal management Council Orders:

• The night time cat curfew
• Restricting dogs on beaches
• Restricting dogs in the city centre

We received a large amount of feedback from our community, that included a diverse range of views.

Dog Beach

We asked if our community wanted a dedicated dog beach in the Frankston municipality and over 73 per cent of respondents said ‘yes’. Following much deliberation, Councillors voted at the 15 November Council Meeting in favour of Keast Park, Seaford as the safest place for a dog beach with 200 metres of sand for them to run and play.

Keast Park is much less populated than Olivers Hill with direct parking and access via a fenced walkway. Councillors felt it was important to protect the amenity of Olivers Hill and ensure it remains a safe destination primarily for people, water sports and boats. New dog waste bins and bag dispensers will be installed at the Keast Park dog beach as part of the initiative. Dogs will be allowed to freely roam (24/7) within the allocated markers at Keast Park foreshore from Emergency Marker FCC114 to the water outlet. The area will be clearly signposted with information on any restrictions.

Dogs in the City Centre

Councillors also voted to introduce an animal order allowing people to take their dogs into the Frankston City Centre, specifically in the area bounded by Davey Street, Kananook Creek and Fletcher Road. Dogs must be on a leash and owners must pick up after their pet.

Cat Curfew

A majority of Councillors voted against a 24 hour car curfew, citing concerns including the need for cats to have access to fresh air and the outdoors. All cat owners are required to secure their cat indoors between dusk and dawn to avoid predatory behaviour.

Timelines

The two new animal management orders are scheduled to come into effect from the end of January 2022. Further information on the new rules will be provided to the community shortly.