Have your say on draft off-leash policy

Published on 09 June 2022

Monash residents and dog owners can now have their say on Council’s off-leash areas review and a draft off-leash policy, as well as proposed changes to existing off-leash area sites.

Community feedback will be used to help inform and finalise the off-leash policy and any changes to existing off-leash areas.

In November 2021, Council resolved to undertake an extensive review of off-leash areas in Monash and develop a draft off-leash policy for public exhibition and community consultation.

The draft off-leash policy has been informed by industry best practice and off-leash area key design principles. There are many considerations that need to be taken into account in regard to the provision of off-leash areas and these have been noted in the draft policy.

The major implications of implementing the policy include:

Specialised Sports Surfaces – Dog-free zones

Dogs are currently allowed off-leash at many sportsgrounds in Monash. Though dogs will continue to be allowed off-leash at some sportsgrounds, there is potential for damage to specialised sports surfaces such as the Jack Edwards Reserve and Gardiners Reserve NPL turf and synthetic pitches; the Ashwood Reserve synthetic hockey pitch; and the Central Reserve and Warrawee Park ovals. It is proposed that these specialised sports grounds will be non-off-leash areas.

Conservation Reserves – On-leash Areas

To protect high levels of biodiversity, Council-designated conservation reserves, like the Damper Creek Conservation Reserve, are to be reclassified as on-leash areas.

Major Shared Trails - On-leash Areas

Transport Victoria has identified several major shared trails that run through Monash, including the Scotchmans Creek Trail, Djerring Trail, Gardiners Creek Trail, Dandenong Creek Trail, Waverley Rail Trail, Monash Freeway Trail and the Syndal Pipe Track Trail. These trails are well-used by commuter cyclists, recreational cyclists, joggers and walkers. To minimise potential conflicts of use between dogs and trail users, and to encourage greater cycling for transport through the provision of safer, lower-stress cycle environments, it is recommended dogs be on-leash 10m either side of a major shared trail.

The review also identified opportunities for the creation of 14 new potential off-leash areas; the expansion of four existing off-leash areas; the reduction in size of four existing off-leash areas and the removal of one existing off-leash area.

Signage will be erected at the reserves where changes to off-leash areas are proposed and Council invites community feedback regarding the proposed changes.

Council considered whether to create fenced off-leash dog parks, however, after consulting with experts, we determined that providing dog parks that are for the exclusive use of dogs is not the preferred model. Most activities undertaken in these spaces can also be undertaken in an off-leash area, without the issues associated with the management and maintenance of exclusive dog parks. Council will be seeking community views on this as part of our consultation.

Monash Mayor Cr Stuart James welcomed the drafting of an off-leash policy and encouraged Monash residents to have their say on it.

“Off-leash areas have many benefits, including providing opportunities for community connectivity and for dog owners and their dogs to engage in physical activity and socialise with other dog owners and dogs,” he said.

“To make sure that spending time outdoors with your dog is safe and enjoyable for you and other users of our open spaces, some areas within Monash are designated as places where your dog can be off-leash while still under your control.”

Further information about the off-leash area review, the off-leash draft policy and the proposed changes to off-leash areas is available at the project’s dedicated website shape.monash.vic.gov.au/dogs

Consultation will remain open until September 30.

Media Contact: Jo Robertson 0418 391 979 or Joanne.Robertson@monash.vic.gov.au