Baw Baw Council set to construct fenced dog parks

Baw Baw Shire Council have advised that they will be soon be constructing three new fully fenced dog parks in Drouin, Warragul and Trafalgar.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss advised “designated dog off leash areas provide many benefits to dogs and their owners including a safe place to run free and exercise, socialise with other dogs and practice training skills. We’re proud to be able to deliver these much anticipated fenced dog parks for our two and four legged community members to use and enjoy.”

Baw Baw Shire is a predominantly rural-based municipality, which includes rich horticultural, dairying and forestry areas. It is also a major exurban growth area for the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, the focus of which is on Drouin and Warragul.

The three fenced dog parks will be located at:

• Bellbird Park in Drouin, approx. 7000 metre² in size located on the corner of Shillinglaw and Settlement Roads.

• Brooker Park in Warragul, approx. 5000 metre² in size located in the central park area.

• Hollydell Park in Trafalgar, approx. 1800 metre² in size located on the corner of Edward Crescent and Rose Court.

Each park will feature:

• Air lock double gate entry with landing area for safe entry and exit.

• New footpath connections to improve access around the parks.

• Signage outlining user rules and responsibilities.

• Doggy drinking fountains to make it easy to stay hydrated.

• Doggy waste bag dispenser and bins for easy, convenient and responsible clean up.

• Seating for dog owners to use and enjoy.

• Tree plantings to provide shade in warmer months and break up the wide-open space.

• Maintenance access gates to allow for routine maintenance and waste collections.

Works are expected to start in April and be completed by mid-2020.

Additionally, minor improvements will take place at four other designated dog off-leash areas:

• Dowton Park in Yarragon

• St Phillack Reserve in Rawson

• Dunstan Oval in Rawson

• Darnum Recreation Reserve in Darnum

The seven listed parks and reserves are the only designated dog off-leash areas within the municipality. By law, dogs must be restrained on a leash in all other areas at all times.

All permanent dog off-leash areas were decided at the 9th May 2018 Council meeting.