A recent Fairfax Media poll showed 66 per cent of voters would be happy with Gunnedah Shire Council’s suggestion to allocate Athol Gallen Park as a dog friendly space while 33 per cent of voters were unhappy with the potential site.

Cr Ann Luke told The Namoi Valley Independent she was not surprised by the results.

“I initially brought it to council after finding myself it was something that Gunnedah could use,” Cr Luke said.

“The result of the poll doesn’t really surprise me because I think people in our community tend to be very conscious of doing things for their pets.” 

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Locals were given until May 31 to have their say through council’s community consultation period with a report to be presented at next month’s July council meeting in Gunnedah.

“I hope that people have taken the chance to have their say,” Cr Luke said.

“It’s certainly something council as a whole are behind and I’m glad that it was raised and we are looking at it.”

Cr Luke said she would be open to any location in Gunnedah for a potential fully fenced off leash dog park. 

“To be honest I’m not particularly precious about any specific location,” she said.

“As I’ve said, all of the councillors are in favour of the proposal and while some have concerns that the proposed location might attract unsafe elements, I remain confident a space like this will be a plus for the community.”