An off-leash dog park could be coming to Point Lonsdale’s Royal Park Oval following concerns raised by community members.
Borough of Queenscliffe councillors unanimously decided to note a Royal Park off-lease dog park trial petition during the August 27 council meeting.
Council officers will now conduct community engagements throughout this month for feedback on potential sites for a dog park trial and whether an additional off-leash area is needed.
Councillor Isabelle Tolhurst said she supported the petition’s intent and acknowledged the use and value of an off-leash dog park to community members.
“This gives council an opportunity to consider the issue holistically and make sure the decision supports the municipal community as broadly as possible,” she said.
“It provides a more concrete commitment to consultation on a secondary off-leash area than is sited in the adopted domestic animal management plan.
“What needs to be clear to the community however is what will define success of the trial, what the costs are and what markers will inform our decision making.”
The petition, which received 514 signatures, was submitted by Jan Mackie and Liz Atkinson on behalf of the Bellarine Small Dogs Group, who expressed concerns with the suitability of the current Point Lonsdale Dog Beach.
Ms Mackie and Ms Atkinson said that the group was “keen to work with council” on establishing a safe off-leash dog park in the borough, whether at Royal Park Oval or elsewhere.
“The borough has one of the highest percentages of elderly people in Australia, and that situation is likely to increase as we baby boomers age,” they said.
“Royal Park Oval is close to being the central point of the borough…and most towns within Victoria have off-leash parks suitable for all users, many of which are dual-purpose ovals.
“The oval has no trip hazards, is accessible for people with walkers, crutches or ride-on scooters and is mostly fenced, making it relatively safe for dogs.”
Results from the community engagement will inform council’s next steps and guide future decisions regarding the introduction of alternative off-leash areas in the borough.
