All of the above implies that Councils should apply a strategic approach that considers access on a comprehensive municipal-wide basis rather than on a piecemeal park-by-park basis. The latter is reactive and problem-oriented. It fails to adequately address needs. Under the strategic approach Councils undertake a systematic assessment of the municipality's open space resources to identify gaps for particular areas and groups of dog owners. It is a multi-disciplinary exercise with assistance drawn from all relevant departments. Councils liaise with adjacent Councils and other park management authorities in their area to ensure a consistent approach. Early consultation with the community is sought to enhance the quality of the final plan and to promote understanding and ownership.
Some Councils have attempted to strategically assess dog owners' needs using such a balanced area-wide approach. Many have done this well. Others have done a poor job due to lack of resources or commitment at the political level or because they adhere to outdated assumptions.
The strategic approach aims for a hierarchy of opportunities that provides for a diversity of opportunities for 'daily', 'regular' and 'occasional' access by dogs and their owners. The hierarchy approach is explained in greater depth in Section 6.3 following.
The assessment should then be incorporated into broader open space and recreation needs studies.
The principles contained in this section advocate a new way of thinking about dogs and their use of public open space. In summary the principles are as follows:
These principles are based on a philosophy that says we should work together to accommodate everyone's needs and reduce conflict. It is important that the principles are understood and accepted because they affect the way problems are defined and policy is developed.
The following section shows how to put these principles in place. Section 7 then provides more specific design and management guidelines.