Council unleashes three new dog friendly parks in 12 month trial

Published on 25 September 2023

More permanent, dog friendly off leash parks are being explored for Rockhampton and Gracemere residents with Council currently undertaking a 12-month trial at three new locations.

The Southern precinct of Kershaw Gardens, Eddie Baker Park in Norman Gardens and Remembrance Park in Gracemere are currently being trialled as unfenced dog off leash parks.  

Rockhampton Regional Council Parks, Sport and Public Space portfolio Councillor, Cherie Rutherford, said Council received responses overwhelmingly in favour of more dog friendly parks during community consultation late last year.

“Our four legged friends are an extension of our family, and so it is only appropriate with how we love to live outdoors all year round, that we make more enjoyable spaces available to both pets and their owners,” Cr Rutherford said.

“With responsible pet ownership, it’s important that dogs are socialised and exercised, so the introduction of three new dog off leash parks to Rockhampton and Gracemere will have a number of positive flow on effects for our community.

Council’s Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said he is encouraging responsible pet owners to enjoy these additional parks until the trial concludes in June 2024.

“The benefits will be seen through social interaction between dogs and also between residents who have told us loud and clear that they would like to see more dog friendly parks across the Region, and that’s something we are keen to deliver for our community,” Cr Mathers said.

“Over the next year we will assess the effectiveness and functionality of the three parks so that we can provide more spaces that are inclusive to both our two-legged and four-legged community members.

“Until then, I encourage residents to give us their feedback on these trial locations.”

Dog owners are required to follow the rules outlined on entry signage at each park:

• Dogs must be under voice or signal control at all times
• Clean up after your dogs No aggressive behaviour
• No dogs on heat are permitted in a public place
• Owners must carry a leash at all time
• Immediately fill holes or fix any damage your dog may cause
• Dogs must maintain within the approved area and put on leash when arriving or departing the area

The Southern precinct of Kershaw Gardens, Eddie Baker Park in Norman Gardens and Remembrance Park in Gracemere join the following list of dog friendly parks across the Rockhampton Region:

• All Blacks Park
• Duthie Park
• No 7 dam
• Ted Price Park
• Victoria Park
• Georgeson Oval
• Kershaw Gardens (Central)

The trial will conclude in June 2024.