Latest news with #DylanParker
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie councils push for tougher fines for millions of pet owners amid worrying trend
Major city councils are calling on the state government to implement much tougher pet laws, including higher fines and stronger enforcement powers, amid a rise in irresponsible owner behaviour and attacks from dogs. Over the last 20 years Randwick City Council, in Sydney's east, has reported a sharp rise in dog attacks, from 900 in 2004 to an incredible 5,000 last year. It said pet owners have also dropped the ball, with reports that many had stopped picking up after their dogs, while failing to monitor them adequately at off-leash parks, particularly around children and wildlife. In response, as part of the state government's review into the Companion Animals Act 1998, Randwick has asked the NSW government for higher fines and stronger penalties. "Randwick City Council is calling for tougher pet laws, stronger enforcement powers and better education," it stated in a council meeting in late May. The submission, endorsed by councillors, also recommends mandatory cat containment, more public education on responsible pet ownership, and expanded powers for councils to act on dangerous dogs and nuisance animals. Roaming domestic cats can have a devastating impact on native wildlife, hunting and killing birds, reptiles, and small mammals, even when they're well-fed at home. In NSW, dog owners can be fined up to $330 for walking their pet off-leash in areas where it's not permitted, and $275 for failing to clean up after their dog. While councils enforce these fines, they do not set them independently — the amounts are dictated by state legislation. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the law currently states that a dog that attacks another dog attracts the same fine as when it attacks a child. "Clearly, that's not right," he told 9News. "Everyone loves their dog until something goes wrong, and that's why we want to make sure we get the rules right for the 21st century." Adjacent council Waverley is also joining the campaign, reportedly calling on pet owners who break the rules to attend training courses. "We encourage responsible pet ownership to ensure safety and that everyone, including our four-legged companions, can enjoy our parks and community," it said. Yahoo News Australia has contacted Randwick and Waverley councils for comment. New rule change legalises common pet act in graveyards Inner city suburb terrorised by roaming dogs as locals report attacks Aussie's five-year legal battle with council over pet dogs With an estimated 4.7 million cats and dogs in NSW alone, responsible pet ownership is crucial to minimising their impact on local ecosystems, public spaces, and community safety, both councils say. Pet ownership nationally experienced a significant surge during and directly after the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by lockdowns, remote work, and a collective search for companionship. Figures suggest households with pets rose from 61 per cent to 69 per cent. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
QC Farmers Market moves to downtown Rock Island
The QC Farmers' Market is moving – just a few blocks, to downtown Rock Island this season. The Rock Island City Council approved a weekly use of the newly renovated 1800 block of 2nd Avenue for the expanding homegrown, food-focused market on May 19. Ald. Dylan Parker, 5th Ward, said moving the market from Schwiebert Park is a major milestone for the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Project and revitalization efforts. 'This once-in-a-generation investment by the City has revitalized our downtown infrastructure and public spaces, and the arrival of the farmers' market will inject even more vibrancy and energy into this renewed area,' said Parker, who's also the community representative on the QC Farmers' Market Board of Directors. 'It's a fantastic synergy that will bring increased foot traffic, benefiting our local businesses and making the market more accessible.' The market will run from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. every Saturday from May 31-October 25 on the new 'festival street' that will close to vehicle traffic during the market's hours of operation. The new pedestrian-oriented, event-friendly street features improvements like curbless 28-foot-wide sidewalks; pop-up bollards for seamless routine road closures; decorative lighting and landscaping; public art; bench seating and uniform patio areas for adjacent businesses. Free parking is available in adjacent lots and on the street surrounding the market venue. Several bike racks are in the general vicinity. 'We are thrilled to partner with the City and Downtown Alliance to make this move into downtown Rock Island, in the beautifully renovated space on 2nd Avenue,' said Ian Forslund, founder and chair of the QC Farmers' Market Board of Directors. The market has been operating in Schwiebert Riverfront Park since 2021. Over 20 vendors based within 50 miles of downtown Rock Island have items for sale, including produce, meat, eggs, dairy, honey, flowers, garden plants, baked goods and more. Many vendors already supply food for downtown restaurants, including NEST Café and QC Coffee and Pancake House. 'Multiple opportunities arise for the farmers, downtown, market visitors and businesses on and close to 2nd Avenue,' said Jon Keim, owner of Huckleberry's Great Pizza and Calzones, 223 18th Street 'We are looking forward to purchasing from the farmers, creating meals from the locally grown products and growing our business alongside the QC Farmers' Market.' Market patrons and visitors to the new location will find additional seating and yard games on the new green lawn right next to the festival street. The Downtown Alliance will host a special event called Second Saturdays on 2nd Avenue during market hours once a month, from June through October, featuring free live music and family-friendly activities. Activities and artists will be announced at a later time. 'This is exactly the type of consistent program and activity we planned for when dreaming up this new shared space for the community,' said Jack Cullen, executive director of the Downtown Alliance. 'We are eager to offer more reasons for people to explore downtown and all it has to offer on a regular basis, and we hope this partnership with the QC Farmers' Market motivates people to make us part of their weekend ritual.' The last parts of the Rebuild Downtown Project include installing sidewalk patios outside of five restaurants and reconstructing the 3rd Avenue and 19th Street intersection, which is expected to be completed in June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
