6 March 2023
Calling all dog owners! Do you want to have a say on the location of Warwick’s new off-leash dog park? Southern Downs Regional Council is asking community members to review its proposed plan and provide important feedback so the project can be realised.
Following multiple flood events in 2021/22 that had far reaching impacts on infrastructure across the region, Warwick’s only fenced Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) near the Condamine River was not spared, with the last flood causing irreparable damage.
Council has heard the community’s support and sentiment to open another park at a flood resilient location and officers are now undertaking the required process to investigate and propose viable alternative locations.
Council is now calling on the community and dog owners to share their thoughts on proposed elements for a new dog park through Council’s engagement ‘drop-in’ hubs where a team will be ready to discuss a consistent and sustainable approach to rebuilding Warwick’s DOLA:
• Wednesday 15 March 2023 | 7am-8.30am | Victoria Park, corner of Pratten and William Streets
• Friday 17 March 2023 | 7am-8.30am | Victoria Park, corner of Pratten and William Streets
Council’s Manager for Parks and Gardens Chris Collingwood said Council was committed to providing a safe, pet-friendly space for Warwick’s dogs to run, exercise, train, play and socialise with other dogs and dog park visitors.
“We appreciate that Warwick dog lovers are desperate to have a local park formalised as a space for their furry friends to run free,” Mr Collingwood said.
“It was certainly a blow to the dog owning community when consecutive flood events last year destroyed Warwick’s off-leash dog park and we have since been working on identifying an alternative site.
“Community members will appreciate that Council must follow due process to finalise insurance claims, concept designs and scoping work for flood resilient locations, however the process is at the stage where Council wants to hear from the community.
“There are several factors to take into account when considering a new and viable location, such as proximity to the town centre, distance from residential properties, parking access and integration into existing urban parks with paths, water and toilets.
“Council encourages the community to get involved in this project by visiting the hubs to learn more about the proposed options, share ideas and provide feedback.
“Dog owners in particular are encouraged to come along and discuss the plans so we can deliver a park they can enjoy with their pooches.”
Council’s Parks & Gardens team is leading the development of a new dog park in Warwick and capitalising on the opportunity to develop a new generic design and development guideline that could act as a blue print for the region’s future needs.
The new off-leash dog park is expected to be funded through insurance following the floods as well as external funding opportunities.
Last edited date 18 Aug 2023