Did you find your pawfect dog off leash park? Share your feedback!
Published on 14 June 2024
Rockhampton Regional Council is inviting the community to share their feedback on three trial Dog Off Leash Areas (DOLA) that have been in place for the past 12 months.
The unfenced trial areas at Remembrance Park in Gracemere, Eddie Baker Park in Norman Gardens, and the Southern Precinct of Kershaw Gardens, were selected in an effort to establish more permanent dog friendly parks in the Rockhampton Region.
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the trial program was established following the community’s positive response and demand for more DOLA parks during consultation in 2022.
“These trial areas have provided an excellent opportunity for dogs to explore more openly and for owners to enjoy more variety when it comes to outdoor activities with their pets,” Cr Rutherford said.
"We've seen many dogs and their owners enjoying these parks over the past year, particularly the Southern Precinct of Kershaw Gardens, and now we want to hear from the community about their experiences, as well as any thoughts or suggestions they may have.
“We're interested to hear whether you and your furry friend have visited the park, what you liked most, or what you felt needed improvement.”
To gather as much feedback as possible on the trial locations, Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers is encouraging responsible pet owners who haven’t yet explored the trial parks to do so before 30 June.
“With the trial period drawing to a close, this is the final opportunity for pet owners to visit the parks with their dogs before a decision is made on whether these dog off leash areas are permanently established,” Cr Mathers said.
“We have launched a short survey and invite feedback from the community, which will help us evaluate the outcome of the trial and the future of these dog off leash areas.
“It’s important that dogs are socialised and exercised regularly, and the introduction of these trial areas to Rockhampton and Gracemere has allowed for just that.”
All pet owners must adhere to the following rules at all Dog Off Leash Areas, including those in the trial:
- 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 survey is open on Engagement HQ until 7 July 2024 for the community to have their say on the trial areas.
For the full list of Dog Off Leash Areas across the Region, visit here.