Callan Park: NSW Government unveils new dog plan, officially designates ‘off-leash’ areas

Parts of a beloved inner west park will be officially declared ‘off-leash’ for the first time, giving certainty to the many dog walkers who use the area.

Callan Park will become one of the most canine-friendly precincts in Sydney with the NSW Government announcing plans to officially designate areas of the park as off-leash for the very first time.

Under the state government’s Companion Animal Management Plan (CAMP), more than 20ha of Callan Park will be designated as off-leash, cementing the spot as one of the city’s most dog friendly.

The plan is designed and operated by Greater Sydney Parklands, who now manage the inner west park, and will come into effect on Friday.

The park is a large and popular inner west spot. Picture: John Grainger

Cities Minister Rob Stokes said the state government had talked and listened to park users before putting together the plan.

“This issue has dogged Callan Park for too long, but I’m delighted we can put this ‘ruff’ patch behind us and celebrate a positive result for all,” Mr Stokes said.

“Humans with furry friends can roam around vast swathes of the park unleashed, while there’s plenty of space for those who don’t want to be hounded by dogs.”

The plans, unveiled today, were met with approval from the Friends of Callan Park, who said it was an even-handed approach to managing the varying interests of the beloved area.

“The plan appears to be fair and balanced,” Hall Greenland, president of the Friends of Callan Park community group, said.

“It protects the First Nations and heritage sites, and bush regeneration areas, as well as giving dogs a fair go with extensive off-leash areas.”

The updated map for Callan Park showcasing the new designated off-leash zones. Picture: Supplied

State MP for Balmain Jamie Parker echoed Mr Greenland’s comments, describing the plan as a “really positive first step”.

“It’s always difficult to manage so many different interests, whether it be for off-leash spaces, safe areas to play and sensitive Indigenous sites, but this seems to have struck a balance,” Mr Parker said.

“Covid has taught us the importance of public spaces, and this is a consolidation of something that’s been long called for by the community, in a really clear explanation of where off-leash should be, so that everyone can enjoy the park.”

The new off-leash areas include the beach at Callan Point, Bonnyview Cottage Gardens, Central Green and Wharf Road Gardens, together with timed off-leash areas at sporting fields. In response to community feedback, a fenced off-leash dog area will be built at Balmain Green, once derelict buildings are removed.

Dogs will be officially free to roam large swathes of the park. Picture: Toby Zerna

There had been vague rules for dog owners who use their park and the new plan hopes to give some ‘off-leash security’ for the first time, dispelling fears of a crackdown across the site and cementing the ability of owners to use the large space to let their dogs roam.

Greater Sydney Parklands chief executive Suellen Fitzgerald said the plan was one of a series of initiatives being developed in consultation with the community to revitalise Callan Park.

“We have really hit the ground running since taking over management of the park, with revitalisation plans underway for the waterfront, heritage buildings restored, pop-up playgrounds installed during school holidays and new amenities being planned,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

“It’s exciting to see Callan Park change and grow in step with what the community wants, needs and expects.”

In the areas not designated as off-leash, dogs will need to be on leads, including the area owned by NSW Health, for the protection of native wildlife.