DOGS could be banned from the new community park on Tarella Road in Chelsea.
Kingston Council is considering banning dogs from the public space. They have put the proposed ban out for community consultation.
A report into the proposal prepared by Kingston Council officers read that the ban would “safeguard and protect the native flora and fauna found on the site”.
“The proposed area for the new no dog zone would need advisory signage to be installed to clearly indicate that no dogs are permitted within the park,” the report read. “The closest dog off leash area is located in Bicentennial Park approximately 1.5 kms away or 15 to 20 minutes walking distance. Current data shows just over 2,000 dogs are registered within 1.5 km radius from the site. Dog walkers may consider exercising their dogs in Tarella Road Reserve due to the distance to the closest dog off leash area, unless an order is created to restrict dog access.”
Kingston Council splashed out more than $5 million on the 3500 square meter block of land in August 2020. The opening date for the park was meant to be in September 2021, but was pushed back to this year after numerous COVID-19 delays.
Dog bans currently apply in two other public parks in the Kingston municipality – Peter Scullin Reserve in Mordialloc and The Grange Heathland in Clayton South.
The proposed ban will come back to council for a vote after consultation closes on 24 June. To make a submission visit yourkingstonyoursay.com.au/tarellaroadnodogzone
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 8 June 2022