[Greens-Media] (Hale MLC) The Government must listen to the community and ensure Café Bones does not become collateral damage of inflexible laws

[Colin Hesse]

Media Release
 
>From Sylvia Hale, Greens MP and Spokesperson for Local Government and
Planning
 
20 May 2010   - For immediate use         
            
The Government must listen to the community and ensure Café Bones does
not become collateral damage of inflexible laws
 
Passage of the Companion Animals Amendment (Outdoor Dining Areas) Bill
2010 through the Upper House of Parliament has been postponed as
negotiations continue between the Government and The Greens over the
impact of the legislation on Leichhardt’s popular Café Bones.
 
“We are concerned that the Bill as currently drafted would threaten
the way in which Café Bones operates,” said Greens spokesperson for
Local Government and Planning, Sylvia Hale MLC.
 
“I am pleased that Local Government Minister Perry has responded to
community pressure and been prepared to discuss the Bill with the
operators of Café Bones, Leichhardt Mayor Jamie Parker, and myself.
 
“I was very impressed that in just two days more than 650 people
signed a petition in support of Café Bones which I presented to the
Parliament earlier this week. I expect more petitions to flood in.
 
“I hope we are able to reach an agreement with the Government to
amend the Bill so that the very many patrons of Café Bones, myself
included, can continue to fully enjoy the off-leash area in which people
and their human and canine companions can relax together.
 
“I exercise my own dog in the off-leash area and am very familiar
with the great contribution Cafe Bones makes to bringing people together
and building community in Leichhardt.
 
“The intent of the Bill is commendable, but as currently drafted it
would have unintended impacts on activities such as Café Bones. 
 
“It’s important that the legislation be amended to ensure that it
doesn’t make the operation of cafes in off-leash dog areas
impossible.
 
“While it’s perfectly proper to formalise the requirements that
dogs should be on leash in cafés on streets, it’s not appropriate for
the same restrictions to apply to off-leash areas.
 
“The Café Bones model is one that should be copied elsewhere. It’s
delightful for people to be able to relax and enjoy coffee and watch
their dogs frolicking.
 
“The community came out very strongly in support of the operators of
Café Bones several years ago when the café’s licence was being
negotiated. Mayor Parker and Leichhardt Council did the right thing by
the community then, and I congratulate the Mayor now for his on-going
advocacy,” said Ms Hale.
 
Contact: Colin Hesse on 02 9230 3030 or 0401 719 124