Off-leash dog parks open

Dogs can safely run around and socialise at two new off-leash dog area trial locations in the Borough of Queenscliffe.

The reserve area north of King Street in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve’s off-leash open spaces opened to the public and their furry friends earlier this month for a one-year trial.

A Borough of Queenscliffe spokesperson said council had considered several off-leash trial spaces, with the two locations emerging from a community survey as the preferred sites.

“These trial sites allow for two spaces in our Borough for dogs to frolic and play off leash, in addition to the Narrows Dog Beach,” they said.

“Council heard from the community that there was a strong desire for a dedicated off-leash dog area; a space where dogs can play, exercise, and socialise.

“Council will evaluate the trial sites and consider usage, feedback, safety and various other metrics to determine if the sites become permanent off-leash open spaces.”

The borough had previously received a petition calling for an off-leash dog park at Point Lonsdale’s Royal Park Oval.

Despite requests from the community to trial an off-leash dog space at Royal Park Oval, the borough did not offer the park as a trial location due to its use for sports and other activities.

Royal Park Oval therefore remains an on-leash area, and the previously established Dog Beach continues to be an off-leash area for the community.