Freedom for furry friends at new parks

MORE Ballarat pets will be able to enjoy off-leash public play with the introduction of new fenced dog parks.

Encouraged to voice their opinions about potential locations, residents can attend community consultation sessions throughout November in three areas being considered by council.

The City of Ballarat is looking at Buninyong, Miners Rest or Alfredton for the canine play spaces and feedback received will impact the location chosen.

Cr Amy Johnson has been a “passionate advocate” for the need for off-leash dog parks in Ballarat and said community demand is high.

“Our residents are very keen to have an opportunity to exercise their dogs off the leash in a safe fenced space,” she said.

“Council has committed funding for two dog parks in the 2019-20 budget. I’m really glad to see that the money has finally been committed.

“We’re conducting consultations and have already spoken with the community in Ballarat East around if they would like an off-leash dog park in their area, and if so, if they can help us identify the most suitable locations for such a facility,” Cr Johnson said.

Miners Rest’s Community Consultation Session will run from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, 12 November at the Miners Rest Community Hall on Market Street, and Alfredton’s on Tuesday, 19 November, 5pm to 7pm at the Alfredton Oval Sports and Community Centre, 89a Cuthberts Road.

A Buninyong session was planned for Tuesday, 5 November at the Buninyong Town Hall.

A brief survey about the park can be found at mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au and submissions close on Friday, 22 November.