Dog parks are good ventures

THE Far North is a region of dog lovers.

In the main, tens of thousands of pets live a happy life with their owners in suburbia as well as on acreages and bigger properties.

One of the key requisites of dog ownership is exercising the animals, which can be a challenge in the built environment.

Many take their four-legged companions for walks on streets and roads, but they should be on a leash.

However, most dogs like to run around and most well-behaved canines also like to interact with others.

So there is a need for more areas where people can let their dogs run free without a leash.

Beach and river areas are not so easily accessed by all residents.

A Cairns Regional Council report notes that beaches are high-use general public areas which many residents found are unsuitable for walking dogs off the leash.

The council has determined that there is a need for 18 new off-leash areas across the city on top of the existing 45 zones.

Of these seven are urgent. The council plans to spend $470,000 at Bentley Park, Palm Cove, Kewarra Beach, White Rock, Kanimbla and Redlynch, including $250,000 at Barron Waters Park, Caravonica.

The new areas will be appreciated by dog owners and hopefully will reduce the number of barking complaints about bored dogs.

The expense is a wise investment. Nick Dalton Deputy editor