More spaces created for off-leash dog parks across Melbourne and regional Victoria

The Victorian Government and local councils have partnered to deliver 31 new off-leash dog parks across Melbourne and regional Victoria, creating more spaces for dogs to run and play.

Local councils received up to $275,000 from the Government to ensure the new facilities were purpose-built to meet each community’s needs.

Recently opened Levittown Rise dog park in Werribee is the final dog park to be completed as part of the $315 million Suburban Parks Program.

Levittown Rise dog park now boasts two fenced areas with open lawns and play zones, trees, seating, and drinking fountains.

Thirty-one dog parks have been completed across Victoria, in suburbs stretching from Werribee to Pakenham and as far as Mildura and Portland. The purpose-built parks include designated ball play areas, fencing, agility equipment, seating and drinking fountains.

The State Government will continue to build 28 new and upgraded dog parks across the state, thanks to an additional $13.4 million investment allocated in the Victorian Budget 2023/24. Dog-friendly spaces will be created in Wantirna, Endeavour Hills, Mount Waverley, Sydenham, Wollert and the Armstrong Creek growth corridor.

Victorian Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt notes “we know the community really values green open space and we’re excited for locals to enjoy the time outdoors with their dogs.”

Wyndham City’s Climate Futures and Environment Portfolio holder Cr Robert Szatkowski said the Levittown Rise dog park provides a large open space for dogs to play, exercise and socialise and added “a further five dog off-leash parks are either under construction or in planning across Wyndham in line with the Wyndham Dog Off-Leash Plan 2022 and Wyndham’s Open Space Strategy, both of which strive to provide accessible and well-connected open spaces for families and their pets.

“There are currently 21,030 registered dogs across Wyndham, with Werribee, Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing the suburbs with the highest ownership of dogs within our City.

“New spaces like the Levittown Rise Dog Off-leash Park add to the existing 21 dog off-leash areas located across Wyndham and provide tailored spaces for the various breeds of dogs that call our City home.”

For more information on the dog parks delivered, please visit environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks