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 happens now?
Officers will now be implementing changes in line with the Dog Walking in Merri-bek Pilot Implementation plan adopted by Council. Download a copy of the plan (PDF).
Council also adopted a new Council Order which designates on-leash and off-leash locations and restrictions. Download a copy of the Order (PDF).
Share your feedback on the Pilot program
The Pilot program will run for a minimum of 6 months in order to test and evaluate the changes to how we share our open space with dogs. As we implement the Pilot we want to hear the community's feedback on how the Pilot program is going.
You can provide feedback on the individual changes at each park using the pages below where you can also find further information about the Pilot specifics for each reserve.
Pilot parks
Map view
Latest updates
How were the changes developed?
To improve the use of dog off-leash areas and dog parks we developed 5 principles to guide our decision making.
We then proposed interventions to help implement the principles in the Pilot parks.
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.
Interventions
The following interventions address dog walking challenges and opportunities. These changes will be tested in our pilot open spaces.
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 Domestic Animals Act 1994.
