24 August 2023
Southern Downs Regional Council is seeking community feedback on a suitable location for a new dog off-leash area (DOLA) in Warwick following the repeated flood damage sustained to infrastructure at the Queens Park location.
In March 2023, Council conducted two drop-in sessions where residents were invited to review a range of design concepts for a regional DOLA framework and discuss potential sites with staff. This initial engagement was both useful and instructive enabling Council to provide more detailed information on the SDRC website and undertake a short survey of residents for broader feedback.
Council’s Acting Manager for Parks & Operations Julian Colpitts said the regrettable but necessary closure of Warwick’s only DOLA left a void for dog owners and he looks forward to consulting with the community on a new location.
“Open spaces that accommodate a dog off-leash area significantly contribute to a community’s liveability and Council appreciates the general sentiment to re-establish a dedicated dog-friendly off-leash space in Warwick,” Mr Colpitts said.
“Not only does an area like this allow for our furry four-legged friends to exercise, play and train, but also for their humans to get outdoors and socialise, which is equally important to community wellbeing.
“There are several factors to consider in deciding on a suitable location for a new DOLA, such as proximity to the town centre, distance from residential properties, parking access and integration into existing urban parks with paths, water and toilets.
“While a new dog off-leash area in a flood-resilient location near the former site in Queens Park is a popular concept, it is widely accepted that this would conflict with surrounding sporting clubs.
“The feedback received from the engagement hubs Council ran in March was overwhelmingly positive and constructive conversations were had. Council presented two proposals for community comment – one for regional parks in our larger towns and one for local parks in our smaller towns, both providing guiding principles that will blueprint the future for dog off-leash areas across the Southern Downs.
“In relocating the Warwick DOLA, Council now has the opportunity to identify an area that offers more space than the previous location to allow for separate zones for small dogs and larger dogs, plus an agility zone with obstacles and other features to train dogs.
“Ultimately, this consultation will lay the ground work to roll out future smaller, two-zone areas in local parks across the Southern Downs to the benefit of dog owners in our smaller villages and towns.
“Subject to all the necessary planning approvals and funding, Council envisages a new off-leash area in Warwick will be open by the end of 2023 and we will continue to update the community as this exciting project progresses.”
The following locations have been initially identified as potential sites for Warwick’s new DOLA:
• Victoria Park (northern end adjacent to Pratten Street)
• Mel Gibson Park (a range of options for placement)
• Bisley Street green belt (between Bracker Road and Cullen Streets)
• Queens Park (adjacent to the corner of Palmerin and Alice Streets)
• St Marks Park (between the football fields and the highway)
The survey can be completed online at
https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/have-your-say/warwick-dog-off-leash-area or alternatively paper copies are available at Council’s administration buildings and libraries. Consultation closes Friday 22 September 2023.
Last edited date 24 Aug 2023