THE POST, Thursday, June 19, 2025 - Page 1
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SHAKE, RATTLING AND ROLLING
There are seven weeks to go until a group of men from Parkes set out on another epic journey aboard vintage tractors, all in the name of prostate cancer awareness. On Saturday they hit the backroads to Bogan Gate for a shake-down run with trek organiser Richard Jefferay leading the way. PHOTO: Supplied FULL STORY PAGE 4
Pages 15-18
Dogs to be banned at ovals By CHRISTINE LITTLE DOGS will soon be banned from at least three sporting fields in Parkes, with the possibility of more added to the list. Parkes Sports Council has appealed to Parkes Shire Council to close its sporting fields to dogs, for the health, safety and dignity of athletes, after owners continue to ignore the rules to clean up after their dogs. It’s an issue Cr Bill Jayet said that’s been ongoing for many years. Sports council chairperson
Al Gersbach addressed Council’s ordinary monthly meeting in May during the public forum session, requesting the ban at three sporting grounds in particular - Harrison Park and its ParkerStone Field, Cheney Oval and Woodward Oval. His reason: These are where most juniors play and train. Mr Gersbach said the issue of dogs on fields is raised at almost every sports council meeting. “The reason for that is because of the mess they do leave and unfortunately
we have people who handle their dogs don’t clean up after them,” he said. “What we really look at is the health and safety of our junior sportspeople, we have nearly 5000 sportspeople in Parkes. “It’s unfortunate our volunteers, which all of them are, have to go around each day they play sport to pick up dog droppings. “If they miss one... some poor kid is going to come along and have to either run through it, dive on it, roll in it and it’s not a nice thing or impression you want to leave
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on a sporting field.” Mr Gersbach said everyday you see dogs running around at every park, some on a leash, some not, and that most people do the right thing. “It’s the dogs that aren’t on a leash that’s become a problem,” he said. “At the moment there are signs up but I feel, and a lot of other people on the sports council feel, they aren’t sufficient for what they’re there for.” The sports council also believe ranger inspections haven’t been taking place.
“Our recommendation from the sports council, we’d like to see some grounds closed to dogs,” Mr Gersbach said. There are some issues at other grounds, Mr Gersbach added, but he acknowledged taking “small steps” to combat the problem might be the best option for the time being. Cr Louise O’Leary said she understood the issue involved a limited number of people but wondered whether it was worth including the sporting grounds in the shire’s villages too.
“Having been to several of those meetings and listened to the frustration from the sporting volunteers about cleaning up, I do understand the impacts that that has on them,” she said. “I do know there’s a bit of an issue at Peak Hill, I’m not sure about Trundle or Tullamore.” On-the-spot fines were also suggested. “Most people are actually quite genuine and do use dog bags,” Cr O’Leary said. “We have tried as Council to put it out there on social ■ Continued on page 8
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