Planning underway for a Drysdale dog park

THE Bellarine Peninsula is set to receive a new fenced dog park with concept plans now open for community feedback.

The Drysdale facility has been earmarked for Quarry Park located on the Portarlington Road and will be one of three dog parks created in this upcoming financial year.

Council’s ongoing commitment to providing fenced facilities follows the adoption of the Fenced Dog Parks Sitting, Design and Management Guidelines based off a 2018 survey.

Findings revealed local dog owners were 84 per cent in favour of more fenced dog parks for the region.

Features of the proposed design include new dog equipment such as ramps, hurdles and platform, separate fence areas for passive and active dogs as well as additional tree and shrub plantings.

Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan called the facility a win for dog owners and lovers in the region.

“Community members have told us the importance of having facilities to exercise their pets off-leash and we’re working to make that happen,” he said.

“The dog park proposed for Drysdale will be the fourth planned for the region, catering to approximately 10,000 registered dogs located on the Bellarine.”

A similar facility currently exists in Corio’s Stead Park, with two more now underway in Belmont and Lara.

Bellarine Ward councillor and resident Jim Mason encouraged locals to head to the council website to have their say.

“With designated areas for active and passive dogs and agility equipment, the proposed fenced dog park will likely be a very popular facility for local pet owners to exercise their dogs off leash,” he said.

“I encourage community members along the Bellarine to have a look at the draft concept plan and send through their feedback via the website.”

The community consultation period will close at 4pm on May 30 ahead of the final plans being finalised.