By KATH GANNAWAY
NEW off-lead areas will give dog-owners in Yarra Ranges more options to let their dogs off the leash.
Four new off-lead areas were endorsed by the council at their 11 March meeting – Coronation Park in Healesville and Margaret Lewis Reserve in Coldstream, Hull Road Drainage Reserve in Mooroolbark and Sunset Drive Reserve in Chirnside Park.
Yarra Ranges now has 23 areas where dogs can be exercised off lead in a designated section of the park of reserve.
Under the new regulations, there are also nine reserves where dogs and cats are prohibited altogether, or in part.
Yarra Ranges mayor Fiona McAllister said increasing off-lead areas was part of council’s strategy to encourage responsible pet ownership.
“By increasing the number of dog off-lead areas, dog owners now have more options for places to safely exercise their dogs and be active themselves,” Cr McAllister said.
The Draft Order was exhibited for public comment for 42 days during November and December last year. Submissions included the view that there were already enough accessible and well-used off-lead areas, that most dog owners are responsible in both controlling and cleaning up after their dogs, and suggestions for better signage to identify off-lead areas, dog poo bag dispensers, fenced-off areas for exercise and installation of dog agility equipment.
Coronation Park in Healesville was nominated as the third most popular off-lead park although it was not an official off-lead area.
Cr McAllister said designated dog off-lead and exercise areas helped protect native wildlife while allowing dogs to enjoy the freedom of running around.
Under the order, dogs are prohibited from ovals and sports fields except by agreement with the relevant Committee of Management for dog obedience training, on designated beach areas and within 20 metres of playgrounds, fitness equipment , barbecue and picnic areas.
Full details of the Yarra Ranges’ off-lead areas and regulations on their use can be obtained at Council Community Links and on the Yarra Ranges Council website www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au .
