City of Melbourne plans for eight new off leash dog areas

With Melbourne having seen a booming population of household hounds since the start of the COVID pandemic, the City is proposing to designate eight new off leash areas for dogs in portions of existing parks.

Dog registrations have increased more than 20% in the past two years - from 3948 in 2020 to 4750 in 2022. Top dogs across the municipality include Cavoodles, Labradors and Jack Russell Terrier crosses.  

Registrations have increased more than 20% in the past two years - from 3948 in 2020 to 4750 in 2022. Top dogs across the municipality include Cavoodles, Labradors and Jack Russell Terrier crosses.

If endorsed, the proposal would see 3.5 hectares added to the existing 16 hectares of off leash parkland across the municipality, equating to nearly 10 MCGs worth of space for inner-city pooches to sniff, fetch and play with their four-legged friends across 16 parks.

The recommendation follows a review of dogs in open spaces in 2019, which identified gaps in off leash provisions across the municipality. Throughout two phases of community engagement, Council has received overwhelming support for the new dog parks from the local community.

A timed access model is proposed for selected parks including Murchison Square, Point Park, Riverside Park and Wellington Park. Limited off leash hours between 6pm and 8am daily would be observed to ensure parks could be shared and enjoyed safely for all members of the local community.

The proposed off leash areas would occupy part of the following parks:

• Eades Park, West Melbourne

• Kingsway & Moray Street Reserve, Southbank

• Murchison Square, Carlton

• Point Park, Docklands

• Riverside Park, Kensington

• Ron Barassi Senior Park, Docklands

• Royal Park (Manningham Reserve), Parkville

• Wellington Park, East Melbourne

Lord Mayor Sally Capp advised “through several rounds of engagement, we’ve heard from our local community, and we know that taking good care of their furry friends is important to them.

“With a growing population of Lunas, Buddys and Milos, we see a need to up the ante when it comes to designated spaces for pooches large and small to run free – to exercise and socialise with their friends.

“Not only does this lead to a happier hound, but it also minimises the risk of behavioural issues like barking and destruction, which leaves us dog mums and dads happier, too!”

Victorian Environment portfolio lead Councillor Rohan Leppert adds "we want Melbourne to be just as livable for our four-legged best friends as it is for Melburnians.

“While City of Melbourne is recommending eight new off leash areas for dogs to roam, the new timed access model will ensure that these areas - which are spotted across Carlton, Docklands, Parkville and more – will remain accessible for cyclists and pedestrians, and for the wider community to enjoy during peak hours."

For more information, visit the City of Melbourne’s website.