Shape the delivery of dog friendly spaces across Wyndham

Wyndham’s population is growing at a rapid rate, and access to large backyards is rare for some residents.

With a larger population living on smaller land, the demand for public open space increases, especially from dog owners.

Wyndham City is currently working on a plan for the current and future demand for a variety of dog friendly spaces, including both fenced and non-fenced spaces and would like the community to have their say on how we can make Wyndham more dog friendly.

Wyndham City’s Climate Futures & Environment Portfolio holder Cr Robert Szatkowski said dog off-leash spaces have become increasingly popular and are recognised as a valued asset in providing a safe space for the physical and mental health of both dogs and their owners.

“In Wyndham there are currently 21,030 registered dogs, with 16,702 households owning one or more dogs,” Cr Szatkowski said.

“Established suburbs of Werribee, Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing have the highest ownership of dogs within Wyndham.”

“However, growth forecasts predict that suburbs such as Manor Lakes and Mambourin are anticipated to increase in population by 339 per cent and 449 per cent respectively by 2041 (forecast ID), likely resulting in substantial increases in dog ownership.”

 “Community feedback received through the Annual Community Survey and engagement sessions held for the Wyndham Urban Planning Framework showed a huge demand for additional dog off-leash areas, specifically fenced locations.”

“A key outcome of this strategy is to ensure we are providing equitable access to dog off-leash areas for both established and growth areas across the City. “

There are currently 18 dog off-leash areas provided across the City with various levels of amenity provided including in-formal spaces (unfenced), formal (fenced) and destination spaces (higher order fenced activity spaces).

In addition to evaluating dog ownership numbers and density mapping to aid in planning for provision levels, it is important to assess the various breeds of dogs across the City and ensure facilities provided are suitable for the differing needs.

At present, the top three dog breeds across Wyndham include Jack Russell, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Labrador.

You can provide your feedback on The Loop from Monday 7 June until Monday 5 July 2021: https://theloop.wyndham.vic.gov.au/wyndham-dog-off-leash-approach

If you would like to have your say on the Dog off-leash approach, come along to a pop-up session:

• Wednesday, 30 June – Presidents Park, 4pm – 6pm
• Thursday, 1 July – Tarneit Community Learning Centre, 8am – 11am
• Sunday, 4 July – Saltwater Reserve, 10am -12pm