Fees Field in Leschenault pips Harvey as site chosen for first enclosed dog park in Shire of Harvey

A park in Leschenault has been chosen for Harvey Shire’s first enclosed dog park, but not everyone is in support.

A number of shire councillors were not happy with the decision, as it would likely mean Harvey will not get an enclosed dog park for at least until the 2024/25 financial year.

A community consultation looked at several locations, with a site on the corner of Wright Street and Roy Street in Harvey receiving the highest amount of respondents in favour.

However the council has decided to fence off the eastern section of Fees Field on Cathedral Avenue, Leschenault for the shire’s first dog park, with works expected to start by mid next year.

The council has allocated $55,000 in the budget towards the project, which is not enough for facilities in both locations to be built at the same time.

Cr Robyn Coleman suggested Harvey should be given precedence over a site in Leschenault, north of Australind.

“The residents of Harvey and that includes Cookernup, Yarloop and Wokalup have been actively advocating for a dog park for five years to the shire,” she said.

“The Australind (proposal) has been raised over the last 12 to 18 months through the advisory groups.”

Council documents showed only 600 registered dogs within Harvey compared to 3200 in the Australind and Leschenault area.

“I find it interesting that only one per cent of the Australind dog owners were interested enough to respond to the advertisement, whereas eight per cent of the Harvey residents responded asking for a enclosed dog area,” Cr Coleman said.

Deputy Shire president Michelle Campbell said it made sense to move ahead with the Fees Field site first, while investigating an appropriate site in Harvey.

“I identify that Wright Street is the preferred location in Harvey, but I believe there needs to be further consultation with the residents around Wright Street before we move forward with a enclosed dog park at this location,” she said.

“The Leschenault site can be well supported and is well supported by a local community organisation that has already indicated financial support for the project and will probably support it into the future if it needs to be enhanced in any way.”

Cr Campbell said the site was already a registered dog park and had facilities including toilets, parking, water and seating.

Cr John Bromham argued for the Leschenault site, stating it is “where the major pouplation (centre) is”.

“We’ve already decided that we would support Harvey next year, given our budgetary constraints,” he said.

The decision was passed 8-3, with Cr Coleman, Cr Paul beech and Cr Craig Carbone voting against.