- Published:
- Friday 17 May 2024
The Allan Labor Government is delivering 19 new and upgraded dog parks across Melbourne and Geelong, giving families and their furry friends more dedicated spaces to socialise and play.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos today announced the locations of the six new dog parks and 13 dog parks getting an upgrade, as part of the first round of the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program.
Victorians love their pets and the Labor Government’s first pet census revealed the state’s most popular pets are dogs, making up 41 per cent of pet ownership – that’s why it’s important more green open spaces are available for both pets and their owners to enjoy close to home.
Monash City Council will receive $500,000 for the design and delivery of the new dog park at Mount Waverley Linear Reserve. The new designs unveiled today include new gates along road frontages, sensory features like clamber mounds and digging pits, natural timber feature walls and doggy drinking fountains.
Each purpose-built park will be tailored to meet the needs of its local community – and just like pets’ personalities, no two parks will be the same.
All projects will undergo community consultation before designs are made final. Expected features include designated ball play areas, sand digging pits, agility equipment, drinking fountains, fencing, shelters, bins and shading, as well as other park enhancements such as pathway improvements, landscaping, and lighting.
The dog park locations were chosen through an application process with eligible councils, with construction expected to be completed for all projects by 2026.
These projects are being delivered as part of the Labor Government’s $20.8 million investment to build new and upgraded dog parks and better parks and playgrounds.
Thirty-one dog parks have already been completed across Victoria, from Werribee and Pakenham, to as far away as Mildura and Portland.
Round two of the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program will open later this year. To find a dog park near you, visit environment.vic.gov.au/dog-parks.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
“More dog parks across Victoria means more open spaces for families and their pets to exercise, play and enjoy, closer to home.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ashwood Matt Fregon
"I’m very excited to have a new local dog park in our community. I've spoken to a lot of local dog owners who have been wanting one. Now they will have a place where they can bring their furry friends."
New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program:
New Dog Parks
- City of Greater Geelong, Sparrovale Wetland Reserve, Charlemont – $550,000
- City of Whittlesea, Allumba Park, Wollert – $500,000
- Brimbank City Council, Sydenham Basin Reserve, Sydenham – $600,000
- Casey City Council, Essex Park Bush Reserve, Endeavour Hills – $480,000
- Monash City Council, Mount Waverley Linear Reserve, Mount Waverley – $500,000
- Knox City Council, Wantirna Reserve, Wantirna – $800,000
Dog Park Upgrades
- Moonee Valley City Council, Travancore Park, Travancore – $300,000
- Yarra City Council, Quarries Park, Clifton Hill – $300,000
- Yarra City Council, Smith Reserve, Fitzroy – $300,000
- Whittlesea City Council, Whittlesea Public Gardens, Lalor – $340,000
- Moorabool Shire, Masons Lane Reserve, Bacchus Marsh – $400,000
- Hume City Council, John Ilhan Reserve, Meadow Heights – $265,000
- Cardinia Shire Council, Alma Treloar Reserve, Cockatoo – $300,000
- Cardinia Shire Council, Officer District Park, Officer – $400,000
- Wyndham City Council, Cambridge Reserve, Hoppers Crossing – $350,000
- Manningham City Council, Warrandyte Reserve, Warrandyte – $300,000
- Manningham City Council, Burgundy Reserve, Doncaster – $400,000
- Glen Eira City Council, Caulfield Racecourse Wedge – Pawfield Park, Caulfield East – $300,000
- Nillumbik Shire Council, Diamond Creek Dog Park, Diamond Creek – $300,000