The proposed fenced area would occupy a substantial portion of the park and consequently alter these existing patterns of shared use.

Concerns have also been raised about the level of community consultation. As the proposal was considered within broader Dog Management Policy deliberations, some local residents and non-dog-owning user groups were unaware of the proposed development and did not have an opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process.

The following affected user groups would like to be directly consulted on the development of Lower Wellesley Park:

• South Hobart residents from Wentworth St, Wellesley St, and Ingram St
• South Hobart families with young children who use the playground.
• South Hobart Sustainable Community Group who assists with community events hosted at Lower Wellesley and supports the local community garden
• South Hobart Progress Association who represent the broad South Hobart Community

Given the scale of the proposed change, we ask that Council defer implementation of a fully fenced dog exercise area at Lower Wellesley Park to allow for a higher level of public participation (at least Level 3-Involvement as specified in the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation, as per City of Hobart Community Engagement Framework) that involves direct consultation with the user groups listed above. This consultation process would inform the potential loss (and/or compromised use) of amenities to ensure these do not outweigh any perceived benefits of the proposed fencing.

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