We have identified three priority areas for potential new fenced dog parks.
In endorsing the Fenced Dog Parks Siting, Design and Management Guidelines, council noted that Lara, south of the Barwon River and the southern Bellarine Peninsula have the most immediate need for fenced dog parks.
The aim eventually is for all residents across the municipality to have reasonable access to a fenced dog park for socialising and exercising their dog.
Specific locations are yet to be chosen, with our staff now to carry out a detailed analysis in each priority area. This process will include community engagement.
Several potential sites in each area have already been identified.
Funding for delivery of the new dog parks is being sought through the development of the 2019-2020 council budget.
The guidelines were developed following a survey of dog owners that found 84 per cent support for the development of more fenced dog parks in Greater Geelong.
A draft set of guidelines was released for public feedback during November last year, receiving 40 responses, mostly positive. This has resulted in the final document being adopted without any changes.
The guidelines call for any new fenced dog parks to be strategically located across Greater Geelong, in areas with high populations of dogs.
They state that the facilities should be located within larger open space areas, at accessible and highly visible sites, and that they should service a cluster of suburbs.
The only existing facility in the region is at Stead Park in Corio. Any new fenced dog parks would not replace existing off-leash areas.
Greater Geelong is home to more than 34,500 registered dogs, a figure that is rising along with the human population.
The most registered dogs are in Lara (2649), followed by Highton/Wandana Heights (2636), Ocean Grove (2563) and Leopold (2067).
Councillor Bruce Harwood - Mayor
Dogs play a very important role in the lives of many people in Greater Geelong. Often, they're considered part of the family.
Council has recognised the importance of giving dog owners places to exercise their pets in a safe and controlled manner. By endorsing these guidelines we've taken a big step towards the creation of new fenced dog parks around the region, which is something the dog-owning community clearly wants and would value highly.
Councillor Peter Murrihy - Co-Chair, Social and Infrastructure Planning
Council's decision to identify three areas most in need of safe, fenced dog parks is a big win for dog owners. Our region is home to more than 34,500 dogs, with the highest number in Lara.
Dog parks are known to increase physical activity levels and improve the health and wellbeing of dog walkers, including children. City of Greater Geelong staff will now analyse Lara, south of the Barwon River and the southern Bellarine Peninsula for appropriate spaces, with the help of further community engagement.
