South Hobart Oval dog management back on the agenda

It’s an age old question that has plagued South Hobart residents, should dogs rule the roost or is it the soccer club’s domain? The next chapter of the ongoing saga is set to begin. TAKE OUR POLL >>

Annalisa Doedens with dog Elsa and Ross Giblin with dog Montgomery. South Hobart locals are picking up other dog users dog poo up off the South Hobart soccer ground in 2021. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Dog walkers and soccer players have been at odds over the use of South Hobart Oval for nearly two decades.

The latest chapter in the ongoing feud is set to ignite when the Hobart City Council will workshop the draft policy that will regulate dog management in the municipality for the next five years.

The discussion will be held on Monday, May 19 — with no decisions to be made at that meeting.

Members of the public have the opportunity to debate the draft police that will be considered for release for final public comment at a future council meeting. The council’s next meeting is May 26 — but it is unknown if the policy will be on the agenda.

South Hobart Oval is shared use and uniquely the only major city sportsground to allow off-lead dogs.

This has historically been due to a lack of suitable well located open space for dog exercise within the suburb.

The community is split on whether the oval should remain shared or no longer be available for off-lead dog use.

A council spokesperson said the city’s ongoing efforts to resolve the matter had been well intentioned but had led to ongoing tension between the South Hobart Football Club and the dog walking community.

“If dogs are prevented from exercising on the ground, the Football Club would be satisfied, but the dog walking community would be aggrieved,” they said.

“Conversely, if dogs are allowed to continue exercising on the ground, the positions would be reversed.”

City of Hobart director strategic and regulator services Neil Noye said the council was committed to working with both the club and the dog walking community to identify and implement improvements over time.

“This may include increased surveillance of the ground, additional City maintenance, more playing spaces, and new off-lead dog exercise areas in South Hobart,” Mr Noye said.

“Hopefully, in the near future a solution can be found that addresses the interests of all stakeholders.”

Originally published as South Hobart Oval dog management back on the agenda