Planned removal of pedestrian gates
To ensure Banyul-Warri Fields in north Torquay is a safe space for all, we're planning to remove pedestrian gates on Grenville and Polwarth Ovals and the three soccer pitches on 16 June 2025.
Supervised dogs still welcome
The planned removal of the gates does not affect the current rules for using the sportsgrounds. We still welcome dogs to be exercised off-leash outside of organised sport/training times, provided they're under effective control.
After listening to feedback, we plan to, however, reinstate the gate on the south-eastern end of this oval, closest to Merrijig Drive (Council did not initially remove this gate).
We need to provide a safe playing environment
The ovals and pitches at Banyul Warri-Fields are sports grounds first and foremost, and we have a legal responsibility to provide a safe playing environment on these grounds.
We've received multiple reports of those taking part in organised sports suffering injuries due to tripping in holes dug by dogs, and persistent complaints about the condition of the surface.
The sports clubs are supportive of proactive measures, including removal of pedestrian gates, to address the issues they're experiencing.
We welcome dogs to be exercised here, and while we understand most are making sure their pets are under effective control, there are people who are not properly supervising their dogs. We have to address this situation to meet our responsibility of providing safe playing surfaces.
The planned removal of gates is to promote responsible dog ownership by making it necessary for dogs to be kept under effective control while off leash. It also brings Banyul-Warri Fields into line with every other sporting reserve in the shire, as none are fully enclosed with pedestrian gates.
Do you have questions/concerns?
