Dogs and their humans deserve options for exercise

I'm very disappointed in the proposed changes to current off-leash areas. The dogs of Clarence deserve a variety of options for exercise, including both on and off lead areas, and dedicated fenced dog parks. I frequently take my Jack Russell puppy to the parks where he can be off lead and this has definitely improved his socialisation and manners, and my own health and well-being. ANZAC Park in particular has a long history of dogs being off lead, and many of their owners are elderly, disabled or mobility impaired. Because the area is not entirely fenced, it's much more likely that well-behaved dogs are there to exercise. This gives park users peace of mind and confidence to take young or elderly dogs there, who would otherwise be overwhelmed or aggressive within a confined area. The current rules in ANZAC Park should not change, and the council needs to listen to its community. I do value protecting local flora and fauna, but the change to make all bushland reserves on lead is far too restrictive. We're lucky enough to have many bushland areas in Clarence and the leash rules can be sensitively designed to accomodate both dogs and wildlife.