Merri-bek’s open spaces are for everyone to share and enjoy and there are different perspectives in the community about dogs in our parks and reserves.
We are planning for the growing number of dogs in Merri-bek through a review of our parks and reserves. We want to provide an easier, better way for people to share these spaces.
What the community have already told us
Through the recent Open Space Strategy community engagement and ongoing conversations with our community, we have heard some key themes around what people want and need when sharing our parks with dogs:
A new approach
To improve the use of dog off-leash areas and dog parks we have drafted 5 principles to guide our decision making.
We are proposing several different interventions that we will test out in a pilot program across 9 selected parks and reserves in Merri-bek later this year.
Draft Principles
In designated off-leash areas, it is a requirement that dogs not under effective control must be restrained by means of a chain, cord, or leash when within the following distances:
- 15 meters of any playground or children's play equipment.
- 15 meters from the principal location of an organised sporting or community event or festival.
- 15 meters from the principal location of an organised public meeting.
- 15 meters from a permanent barbecue or picnic area when in use.
- 1 meter of a shared pathway (and continuously while on the shared pathway).
The Council Order states in addition that it is prohibited for dogs to be within the immediate perimeter of any playground at all times and within any Creeks & Waterways at all times.
Unrestricted access to reserves for all users is a high priority in our Council area. Optimal use for dogs and dog owners enjoyment is important but needs to be balanced and be cognisant of other user groups in open space.
- Facilitate open spaces dedicated to dogs and their owners for exercise and socialisation.
- Ensure that the designation of these areas does not compromise the experience of other user groups.
- Design for legible off-leash areas with limited need for fencing and separation of uses.
- Promote equal accessibility to Off-Leash Areas throughout the municipality and address gap areas.
- Establish a minimum area requirement for Off-Leash Area facilities, particularly Dog Parks.
Safety Issues arising from off-leash use of open space must be avoided. Legibility of park design and layout and application of signage that Is clear and with Interpretation Is key.
- Prioritise the safety of open space users and dogs over Off-Leash opportunities.
- Minimise the potential for conflict among users of Off-Leash areas.
- Create legible separation between different user groups where appropriate.
Strategic principles for dog off-leash areas in the Merri-bek area prioritize the careful consideration of the surrounding environment. This includes evaluating factors such as ecological sensitivity, biodiversity, natural habitats, and the overall impact of the off-leash area on the surrounding ecosystem.
- Protection of habitat zones and urban biodiversity takes precedence over Off-Leash opportunities.
- Protection of waterways and erosion protection takes precedence over Off-Leash opportunities.
- Consider fencing options of off-leash areas in order to protect habitat zones If appropriate.
Potential damage to open space grounds, including facilities must be taken into account. Intensive usage by dogs prompts specific requirements of dog parks especially.
- Exclude specialised sports surfaces and hardstand sports areas from off leash areas.
- Ensure that Off-Leash areas are compatible with the function and design of open spaces.
Draft Interventions
The following interventions have been drafted to address dog walking challenges and opportunities. These changes will be tested in our pilot open spaces.
Pilot program
After the first phase of engagement we will pilot these draft principles and interventions across 9 parks and reserves in Merri-bek.
During this time, we will gather community feedback on how these changes work for the different ways that people use these spaces.
The feedback from the community will be used to inform the final principles and interventions and will also be used to develop our new Domestic Animal Management Plan.
Join the conversation
Survey
In-person events
Key Dates
Thursday 3 April 2025
3-6pm
Robinson Reserve, Coburg
Next to the shelter
Saturday 5 April 2025
8:30-11:30am
Gilpin Park, Brunswick
Near the Albert Street crossing
Wednesday 9 April 2025
10:30am-12:30pm
Bonwick Street shopping strip, Fawkner
Near the pedestrian link to the car park
Friday 11 April 2025
2:30-5:30pm
Harmony Park, Coburg
By the shelter
Monday 14 April 2025
3-6pm
Wylie Reserve, Brunswick West
Next to the playground
Tuesday 22 April 2025
3-6pm
Tate Reserve
11 Grant St Coburg
Wednesday 23 April 2025
3:30-5:30pm
Lorne Street Reserve
Corner of Lorne St and Sahara Way, Fawkner
Thursday 1 May 2025
3-6pm
Fleming Park, Brunswick East
Maghull Street entry
Sunday 4 May 2025
11am-2pm
Glenroy Festival, Glenroy
How can the community influence this project?
What can be influenced?
- The new principles for our parks and reserves.
- Whether the proposed interventions are right for our parks and reserves.
- How we can ensure our outdoor places and spaces are welcoming and safe for everyone.
What can't be changed?
- The location of the 9 pilot parks - we cannot change restrictions in other parks and reserves at this stage.
- Change will happen. We want to improve the way Council balances the needs of all community members in our public spaces.
- Council's requirement to enforce local laws, the principles included in the Council Order, March 2006, and the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
