Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, has reminded Canberrans that changes to dog exercise area maps are now in place.
“Changes are being made in response to community feedback and aim to make it easier for owners to know where they can and can’t take their dog, both on and off the leash,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“From today, Monday 11 January 2016, the following changes have come into effect across Canberra:
- Dogs must be on a leash on all paths and cycleways to help improve the safety of walkers and cyclists;
- Dogs can be off-leash at sporting grounds (including Hall showground) when formal sport is not being played (including training) or a major event occurring;
- Dogs are prohibited at playground equipment and barbeque areas due to public health and safety concerns; and,
- All major parks are now dog on-leash areas.
Specific changes come into effect at Lennox Gardens, Weston Park in Yarralumla and Black Mountain Peninsula, which will change from dog prohibited to dog on-leash areas, making them consistent with other major parks in Canberra. William Slim Drive pedestrian parkland has been changed from an on-leash to an off-leash area.
“A three month trial begins today to allow dogs to be off-leash at Blaxland Park in Griffith from 6 pm to 7 am. This will be the first time a timeshare arrangement has been undertaken in the ACT and will be in place from Monday 11 January to Thursday 31 March 2016.”
Mr Rattenbury said while dog owners need to be mindful of their responsibilities, all people using our shared paths and open spaces should be mindful of others, whether that means keeping left on the footpath or slowing down on your bike when you see a dog ahead.
“Dogs need to be kept under control so they do not interfere with other people’s enjoyment of public spaces. As a general rule, if people are ever in doubt they should keep their dog on a leash. Signage will be erected at locations across Canberra, such as ovals, to help educate the community about how the areas can be used.
“People can provide comments on the changes to dog exercise area maps via www.timetotalk.act.gov.au by Thursday 31 March 2016. The website also lists the sites where usage has changed.”
Mr Rattenbury said the ACT Government will continue assessing other recreation areas identified during the 2014 consultation to determine if any further changes could be made in the near future.
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