New policy and changes from 1 July 2023

Council endorsed a new Off-Leash Policy at its 29 November 2022 meeting:

Monash Dog Off-Leash Policy(PDF, 2MB)

Following this, Council endorsed a new Dog Control Order at its 28 March 2023 meeting.

A new Dog Control Order and changes to dog off-leash areas came into effect on 1 July 2023.

Background information: 

Report - Dog Off-Leash Area Review Consultation Findings & Off-Leash Policy(PDF, 4MB)

Decision - includes amendment (item 2.2)(PDF, 299KB)

Watch Council meeting video recording (item 2.2)

Shape Monash consultation: Dog off-leash areas in Monash

Media Release: Monash residents to benefit from more dog off-leash areas

Changes to Jack Edwards Reserve

On 30 May 2023, following further evidence of dog-related damage to the playing surface at Jack Edwards Reserve, Council subsequently resolved to:

  1. Signal its in-principle support for a change to the off-leash classification at Jack Edwards Reserve to:
    - no dogs on the turf pitch
     - dogs on-lead in the spectator areas surrounding the turf and synthetic pitches.
  2. Note the areas behind the pitches and as depicted in green in Attachment 1 are proposed to remain available for dog off-leash activity.
  3. Seek community feedback on the proposed change and report the findings of this process to a future Council Meeting.

In accordance with Council’s decision on 30 May 2023, Officers sought community feedback on its in-principle decision to change the classification of the Jack Edwards Reserve from a dog off-leash reserve to:

  • no dogs on the turf pitch
  • on-leash in the spectator areas surrounding the turf and synthetic pitches.

Following community consultation, at the September 26 2023 meeting, Council endorsed changing the dog off-leash area classification at Jack Edwards Reserve to:

  • (a) no dogs on the turf pitch
  • (b) dogs prohibited in the spectator areas surrounding the turf and synthetic pitches as depicted in yellow in the image below, two hours before and after National Premier League Victoria games and otherwise when either pitch is being used for scheduled games or training.

An amended Dog Control Order(PDF, 113KB) was gazetted on 5 October 2023. 

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