Yesterday, you may have seen an article on the newly announced dog park coming to Jamberoo. The park will be located at the corner of Wyalla-Gibson Crescent in Jamberoo and will feature separate areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment and shaded seating, etc. 

The dog park was announced after funding of $42,600 was granted in response to growing community demand for a safe and secure dog space in the Kiama LGA. 

Today MP for Kiama, Gareth Ward announced his contribution to securing this major grant, saying, “I am delighted to have helped secure this major grant and I know this will make a huge difference for our local Jamberoo community.”

Grant guidelines require Local Members of Parliament to be involved in the decision making process around the Local Small Commitment Allocation Grant Program. However, yesterday a Sydney-based NSW Labor MLC and a Kiama Labor local councillor announced this grant without notifying Mr Ward.

Mr Ward has since confirmed that this Labor MLC had nothing to do with the project and was never involved in the allocation of funding. Ward says they were ‘shamelessly taking credit’.

Mr. Ward was able to disclose some more in depth information on the plan for the dog park. The plan includes: 

• Flood compatible fencing (wire mesh with steel posts and rails)
• A strip footing for the fence to minimise damage during normal maintenance such as grass cutting
• ‘Airlock’ gates at the entry/exit to ensure pet and owner safety
• A shelter with base slab and bench 
• Water tank with dog bowl 
• Double waste bins. 

The development will provide a safe, off leash space for dogs to socialise and exercise. Gareth Ward, a proud dog owner, looks forward to taking his pup Oscar to the new park upon its completion.