Southeast council to introduce new policy to benefit dog owners
A suburban council is introducing 14 more off-leash areas as its population surges past 200,000.
East
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A Melbourne council that grew by 20,000 residents in five years is introducing more off-leash spaces for dog owners.
Monash Council will create another 14 spaces for locals to let their furry companion loose on top of the four existing spaces from July 1.
Due to recent population growth, and continued increase in dog registrations, council has noted more pressure on public open spaces.
In 2016 Monash had an estimated population of 182,618, with a forecast population of 204,213 this year.
Mayor Tina Samardzija said she was excited to deliver more spaces for dogs to run off-leash.
“We know from community feedback that there is strong support for increasing the number of off-leash areas in the City of Monash, and it is great that council has been able to provide 14 new sites for dogs and their owners to explore,” she said.
Steps are in place to protect local flora and fauna in areas where increased activity could have negative impacts on the environment, Cr Samardzija said.
Melbourne company Practical Ecology assessed the impacts domestic animals and invasive pests have on the native flora and fauna throughout Monash’s bushland reserves with particular focus on Damper Creek Conservation Reserve.
The report recommended the reserve be designated as on-leash for dogs to protect this significant conservation corridor.
No changes were made to off-leash areas at Jack Edwards Reserve and four spaces will have existing off-leash areas reduced, including at Damper Creek Conservation Reserve.
“While we know this decision won’t please everyone, we believe it provides the correct balance between the protection of council’s limited and valuable conservation reserves and the needs of dog owners,” Cr Samardzija said.
Dog owners in an off-leash area must comply with council regulations by carrying a leash, able to bring their dog under control promptly, remain in constant sight of their dog and ensure to pick up after them.
Anyone who does not abide by the new policy from July 1 is at risk of a fine.
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