Gates will soon be taken away from Torquay’s Banyul-Warri Fields to make it a safer place for everyone.
Surf Coast Shire Council will remove gates from Grenville and Polworth Ovals along with its three soccer pitches on June 16 to prevent unsupervised dogs from causing further damage to playing surfaces.
Community Life general manager Damian Waight said sport was the primary purpose for Banyul-Warri Fields’ ovals and pitches and that the current surface condition had led to multiple injuries and complaints.
“The planned removal of the gates does not change the current regulations in place for using the sportsgrounds,” he said.
“It also brings Banyul-Warri Fields into line with every other sporting reserve in the shire, as none are fully enclosed with pedestrian gates.”
Mr Waight said there were plans to reinstate the gate on the south-eastern end of Grenville Oval closest to Merrijig Drive, which was not initially removed by council, despite other gates being removed.
“We understand the majority are managing their pets responsibly, however there are people who are not properly supervising their dogs,” he said.
“Dogs are still welcome to be off leash outside of organised sport/training or preparation times, provided they’re under effective control.
“The planned removal of the gates promotes responsible dog ownership by making it necessary for dogs to be kept under effective control while off leash.”
Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/BWF for more information.
