The draft policy was on public exhibition during April and received two submissions.

Issues raised in the submissions didn't warrant amendment to the draft policy at the time.

Following a lengthy discussion at the June monthly ordinary council meeting, it was determined a slight change had to be made.

A point of the policy content in reference to council's encouragement of private parties to consider all available options to resolve concerns in relation to a barking complaint was promoted to the policy statement section.

The statement says council recognises animal noise can be a source of significant stress for the community.

The intent is residents with an animal noise grievance will take steps to resolve the issue directly before resorting to council-led intervention.

People directly involved with the complaint, including the owner of the dog, should keep a diary to document evidence of time, duration and frequency of barking.

This should be done for a minimum of two weeks.

The policy will be reviewed again in two years.

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