Decision details

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Chung –

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)          Christchurch City Council, Christchurch and Waimakariri District Council, Canterbury, in New Zealand have recently opened the doors of their seasonal local pools for a dog-only swim day to mark the beginning of winter;

(ii)         the "Doggy Pool Parties", as they were termed, proved successful with local residents, and these Councils hope to make them a regular annual event;

(iii)        Australia has the highest levels of pet ownership in the world; and

(iv)       pets have a number of social benefits, and they and their owners form an important part of our City community; and

(B)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)          investigate options for the opening of the City's seasonal pool, Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, for one day each year for a Doggy Pool Party, in which dogs can swim and play, upon confirmation from the NSW Department of Health that the activity is suitable and subject to cleaning costs following the event; and

(ii)         report back to Councillors via the CEO update on the outcomes of this investigation.

Variation. At the request of Councillor Miller, and by consent, the motion was varied such that it read as follows:

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)          Christchurch City Council, Christchurch and Waimakariri District Council, Canterbury, in New Zealand have recently opened the doors of their local pools for a dog-only swim day to mark the beginning of winter;

(ii)         the "Doggy Pool Parties", as they were termed, proved successful with local residents, and these Councils hope to make them a regular annual event;

(iii)        Australia has the highest levels of pet ownership in the world;

(iv)       pets have a number of social benefits, and they and their owners form an important part of our City community;

(v)         the City of Sydney has created opportunities for dogs to enjoy the water, including:

(a)        access points at Beare Park and along the Glebe foreshore; and

(b)        a dedicated dog pool in Sydney Park at the southern end of the grasslands which is topped up with fresh water twice a day, and City of Sydney staff regularly check the pumps and operating system; and

(vi)       these opportunities are very popular, available all year round, and are used regularly by many dogs.

(B)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)          investigate options for the opening of the City's seasonal pool, Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, for one day each year for a Doggy Pool Party, in which dogs can swim and play, upon confirmation from the NSW Department of Health that the activity is suitable, that it is safe and healthy for dogs, and subject to cleaning costs following the event; and

(ii)         report back to Councillors via the CEO update on the outcomes of this investigation.

Carried unanimously.

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