Party to remain on shore

The Eaton Foreshore Festival will continue at full capacity after the Dardanup Shire Council voted to find alternative sites for their proposed dog exercise park.

The community festival, which has been run as a fundraiser for the Eaton Primary School and other not-for-profit groups for about 30 years, was in jeopardy after council proposed their dog park be located at the foreshore.

Festival coordinator Felicity Metcher said the festival grew every year and took up every inch of the foreshore.

“Seeing how big the dog park would have been, it would have taken up our sideshow alley area and possibly meant we couldn’t have the festival any more,” Ms Metcher said.

“It wasn’t an option to hold it elsewhere — it’s always been on the foreshore, hence the name.”

At last month’s council meeting Ms Metcher presented her case to save the festival, and a petition was also given to council.

Councillors voted to continue investigating other sites for the dog park. “I think council have made the correct decision listening to residents, businesses and the festival committee,” Ms Metcher said.