Proposed dog exercise area

Consultation has concluded

In 2013, the Dog Act 1976 (Act) was reviewed by the State Government with a number of amendments being made to the act. As a result of those amendments, local laws can no longer be used to prescribe dog exercise areas and dog prohibited areas.

A report was raised with Council on 14 August 2018, resolved in accordance with section 31 (3C) of the Dog Act 1976, that the Council gives notice pursuant to section 1.7 of the Local Government Act 1995 of its intention to specify public places that are under its care control or management to be a dog exercise area.

Subsequently, notices have been advertised in The West Australian and the Southern Gazette newspapers, advising the community the dog exercise areas locations are open for public consultation.

What is happening now?

Public comment period is closed and a report will be presented to council and it’s Ordinary Council Meeting in November 2018, with a recommendation for the Dog Exercise Areas to be adopted.

How can I comment or find out more information?

  • Read the documents in the document library or the frequently asked questions

In 2013, the Dog Act 1976 (Act) was reviewed by the State Government with a number of amendments being made to the act. As a result of those amendments, local laws can no longer be used to prescribe dog exercise areas and dog prohibited areas.

A report was raised with Council on 14 August 2018, resolved in accordance with section 31 (3C) of the Dog Act 1976, that the Council gives notice pursuant to section 1.7 of the Local Government Act 1995 of its intention to specify public places that are under its care control or management to be a dog exercise area.

Subsequently, notices have been advertised in The West Australian and the Southern Gazette newspapers, advising the community the dog exercise areas locations are open for public consultation.

What is happening now?

Public comment period is closed and a report will be presented to council and it’s Ordinary Council Meeting in November 2018, with a recommendation for the Dog Exercise Areas to be adopted.

How can I comment or find out more information?

  • Read the documents in the document library or the frequently asked questions
Consultation has concluded


  • Are dogs all required to be on a lead whilst on a dog exercise area?

    Darrin asked over 5 years ago

    No, dogs in exercise areas can be off-leash. However, dog owners must still be able to have control over the dog. Generally, dogs would only be about 20 metres away from their owners.

  • Hi ToVP, I’ve read the documents and, as I understand, the town is now supplying notice for dog exercise areas to remain the same but now this will be registered via the State Government rather than controlled by local laws. Am I wrong? Because I feel like this could be communicated to ratepayers better.

    Medusa asked over 5 years ago

    In 2013, the Dog Act 1976 (Act) was reviewed by the State Government with a number of Amendments being made to the Act. As a result of those amendments to the Act, local laws can no longer be used to prescribe dog exercise areas and dog prohibited areas.

    A report was raised, with Council on the 14 August 2018, resolved in accordance with section 31 (3C) of the Dog Act 1976 the Council gives notice pursuant to section 1.7 of the Local Government Act 1995 of its intention to specify public places that are under its care control or management to be a dog exercise area.



  • Will there continue to be a plan to upgrade the fenced park currently in Bishopsgate Street, to a more permanent area with dog agility equipment?

    Kimberley asked over 5 years ago

    The current enclosed dog exercise area will be redeveloped at the start of the New Year. There will be dog agility equipment included in the redevelopment.


  • Good afternoon, What is the new proposal ie what changes are being proposed from the current allocated dog exercise areas? Or is the proposal not to make any changes? Many thanks, Helen

    HelenTeresa asked over 5 years ago

    The only change being considered to the current dog exercise areas is making Edward Millen Reserve. All the current dog exercise areas are being recommended to stay as dog exercise areas.

  • Out of interest, why is the Edmund Millen reserve being changed from a dog exercise area to one that is not? Thanks.

    1mattdolan asked over 5 years ago

    The Edward Millen Reserve is currently a dog on leash area. The town is considering making Edward Millen Reserve a dog off leash area, as a result of submissions being received through the process of reviewing the Dog Local Law.