New Farm residents want dirty dog park fixed

A DIRTY Brisbane dog park in one of the city’s poshest suburbs is making visitors barking mad. But these two ballroom-dancing dogs don’t seem to mind … VIDEO

e-petition calls for new dog park in New Farm citing terrible condition of the existing one.

PAMPERED pooches in one of Brisbane’s poshest suburbs are ruffing it in an off-leash park locals have put in the doghouse.

Dog owner Dana Lim, of Newstead, wants Brisbane City Council to move New Farm Powerhouse Dog Park and has launched an epetition to make council sit up and take notice.

“It is in extremely bad condition as all is covered in dirt and has no grass on the ground,” the petition states.

“When it rains, the whole area turns muddy. Visitors from other suburbs refuse to revisit due to the condition of the dog park.

“There are many gum trees within the dog park which block sun exposure to the ground. I believe this will be too costly to relocate trees, hence it would be best to move the dog park.”

Local Maz Smaily said in dry weather the park was a dust bowl and at the weekends it was hard to move for the number of dogs using the space.

He said calls for separate small and large dog enclosures were important.

Josef Senisin and Maz Smaily support a petition for Council to look into the condition of New Farm Dog Park which they say is worn down and can't meet the local demand.

Fortitude Valley’s Josef Senisin, who has been living and working in New Farm for decades agreed the park was a mess.

He agreed with Mr Smaily saying a larger area, with separate enclosures was essential given the increasing number of dogs in the precinct.

The growth of the suburb had put enormous pressure on the small local facility, he said.

Councillor Vicki Howard (Central) said the New Farm dog off-leash area was used by thousands of people every year and provided a safe place where local residents could “let their furry friends stretch their legs and run around in beautiful New Farm Park”.

“We want to ensure these facilities continue to be well-used and enjoyed, which is why Council undertakes regular maintenance in this park, including mowing, picking up litter, tree trimming as well as applying organic material to help reduce dog odours,” she said.

“New Farm Park off-leash area is one of the inner-city’s most popular dog parks and there are currently no plans to move or to separate different breeds of dogs.”

Cr Howard said to keep pace with the growing community Council was seeking community feedback on a new dog off-leash area in Waterfront Park, Newstead.

Proposed changes to Waterfront Park, 35 Waterloo St, Newstead, by Brisbane City Council.

KEY: Proposed changes to Waterfront Park by Brisbane City Council.

“Last year I was approached by residents to make improvements to Newstead’s Waterfront Park, and in February I went out and listened to the community about how we can make the park even better,” she said.

“After considering all the community’s wonderful ideas, we have come up with a plan to reinvigorate Waterfront Park, including delivering a dedicated dog park.

“I will be seeking further feedback from the community on this proposal in coming weeks.

“I encourage residents to contact my ward office on these proposed changes to Waterfront Park, which will also include a new outdoor gym, landscaping and upgraded pathways.”

The “Condition of New Farm dog park” epetition, closes September 7, has 43 signatures.

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PETITION WORDING:

Residents draw to the attention of New Farm Powerhouse Dog Park condition. It is in extremely bad condition as all is covered in dirt and no grass on the ground. When it rains, the whole area turns muddy. Visitors from other suburbs refuse to revisit due to the condition of the dog park.

Petitioners therefore request New Farm dog park be moved to another area where it is not too far from the original location with more grass and less trees. There are many gum trees within the dog park which block sun exposure to the ground. I believe this will be too costly to relocate trees, hence it would be best to move the dog park near New Farm area.

Screengrab of the epetition of the New Farm Dog Park on BCC website