Dog poo bags could soon be free in this Melbourne area. Some fear a costly mistake

Port Melbourne resident Bianca Sondakh cherishes her daily morning walks with dogs Hugo and Betsy. That is unless she forgets to bring poo bags.

“It’s just awkward. I usually look around and see if there’s anyone who has dogs around me and ask … it’s just really hard, and I don’t feel comfortable doing it,” she said.

Bianca Sondakh with dogs Hugo and Betsy. Credit: Justin McManus

Change could be on the horizon for dog owners like Sondakh who live in the City of Port Phillip. Unlike in nearby council areas such as Stonnington and Bayside, dog waste bags are not provided in Port Phillip parks.

Last week, councillors voted to open up a proposed dog waste bag trial to community feedback.

But they went against advice from their own experts, who said a free dog waste bag program would be expensive and ineffective.

A 14-month trial in select areas would cost about $135,000, according to the council officers’ costings. If fully adopted, the program is estimated to cost $500,000 a year.

Officers noted that a similar program by the council was scrapped 13 years ago due to high costs, misuse of bags and an increase in litter. There was also not enough evidence that the provision of bags led to less waste.

Despite the high price tag and potential hurdles, Port Phillip Mayor Louise Crawford said it was important to provide the local community with an option.

“As we know there are many residents with strong views about dog-related issues, councillors decided to provide an opportunity for our community to have their say for or against a waste bag trial,” she said.

“This feedback will be able to be provided through questions added to the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan public consultation. Community members can indicate whether they do or don’t support a trial and if dog owners should pay increased pet registration fees to fund the waste bags.”

More than 12,000 cats and dogs are registered in the City of Port Phillip.Credit: Justin McManus

There were 12,285 cats and dogs registered in Port Phillip in 2023-24, according to council data, equating to about 585 pets per square kilometre.

Former Port Phillip mayor Marcus Pearl said providing dog waste bags should not be a priority for the council.

“Councillors have now completely contradicted the advice of their own officers, who pointed out that previous schemes had limited impact and came with a significant cost. This isn’t just a small expense – it’s a serious financial commitment,” he said.

“Yes, the community wants cleaner parks, but at what price? This trial could become a costly mistake, and we need to think carefully before committing ratepayers to such an expensive proposal.”

Crawford, the current mayor, acknowledged the decision to progress with plans for a trial went against recommendations but said community responses would inform councillors on whether the trial would go ahead.

For Bianca Sondakh, council-provided dog waste bags are a no-brainer, especially in an area with so many pets.

“We pay dog registration, but we’re not getting anything out of it … I think this is just a basic thing that the council can provide.”

The community consultation phase of the proposal is set to run until June 6.

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