Shire hasn’t lost the scent of possible Torquay dog park

THE Surf Coast Shire is still open to the idea of creating a dog park in Torquay, about a year after it tested community interest in the concept.

Community surveying during preparation of the shire’s existing Domestic Animal Management Plan showed some expressions of interest in such a park being established to help ease pressure on other areas, and the shire ran a month of public consultation in November 2019.

There are several off-leash areas in towns across the shire, but no dedicated parks that provide a fenced-in space where people can let their dogs off the leash and play with other dogs.

If the park were to go ahead, it would only be open to vaccinated and registered dogs.

This week, the shire’s general manager of environment and development Ransce Salan said there had been a “great response” to its November 2019 survey, with 228 people contributing feedback.

“A total of 91 per cent of respondents reported that they would use a dog park, with 83 per cent of those saying they would use it on at least a weekly basis. Only three per cent indicated clear objection to a dog park.

“Importantly, the survey also identified that people are having good experiences with existing arrangements.

“More than 60 per cent currently take their dogs to off-leash areas including beaches, and of those, 80 per cent said they had positive experiences.

“The findings suggest that while a dog park might be popular, it is not an urgent priority, but should remain a consideration as Torquay continues to grow.”

He said the council would be consulting with the community about the shire’s dog regulations and a new Domestic Animal Management Plan in the second half of next year.

“At this time we will be asking for community input about whether the current off/on leash areas are appropriate.

“This is when we will next consider if a dog park in Torquay is required to ensure we have the right mix of off-leash options for dog owners.

“In the meantime, our Open Space Planning team will consider potential site options for a future dog park in Torquay.”