Dog off leash area

Update: South Lawson Park dog off leash area

13 March 2023

To help all visitors enjoy South Lawson Park, temporary signage has been installed at the gates to the new dog off leash area as a reminder that dogs are required to be on a leash unless they are within this large, fenced area.

Council has received complaints regarding walkers (including children) being harassed by roaming dogs over the past week. Concern has also been expressed about the impact of dogs on the natural environment at the park.

It is important that unless dogs are within the fenced off-leash area, they kept on a leash in all other areas of the park. Council works within a State Government framework for managing dogs in public places and on the spot fines may be issued for breaches of the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and Companion Animals Act 1998.

A range of permanent signs for South Lawson Park are currently being fabricated. This includes permanent dog off leash area signage, but also directional and wayfinding signs, to help visitors find their way around the park.

Following feedback from the community, new self-closing hinges will also be installed on each gate to the dog off leash area. These types of hinges have been used successfully in other Council parks and are expected to be installed by the end of this week.

Council will continue to monitor community feedback relating to the use and condition of the new upgrades at South Lawson Park.