A petition calling for a new dog off-leash area at Byng Road Park in Birkdale has been rejected by Redland City Council following an investigation by officers.
The petition, lodged by principal petitioner Alana Murphy, asked council to establish a dog park at the local neighbourhood park, arguing that many dog owners in the area had no off-leash facility within walking distance.
Division 10 councillor Paul Bishop tabled the petition at the council’s General Meeting on February 18.
In a response issued through the Chief Executive Officer on March 6, council officers said the request had been assessed but the proposed location was not considered suitable.
Council said it recognised the value of designated dog off-leash areas (DOLAs) in providing safe spaces for dogs to exercise and socialise while also helping foster community connection.
However, the response noted Redland City already had 32 designated dog off-leash areas across the city, which officers said represented a relatively high provision compared with neighbouring local government areas when measured against population.
Officers said several planning and design considerations must be met before a new dog park can be established.
These include avoiding conflicts with nearby residential areas, playgrounds, conservation zones and koala habitat, as well as ensuring the park can support infrastructure such as parking, pathways, water points, litter bins and shade.
Council said Byng Road Park did not meet those requirements.
“The park is classified as a neighbourhood park within council’s park network,” the response stated.
“These parks are typically smaller in size, located close to residential areas and intended to provide low-key casual recreation opportunities such as small play spaces and informal open areas.
“For these reasons they are not considered suitable locations for a dog off-leash area.”
Council said DOLAs were generally located in larger community-level parks or sports precincts where there was enough space to provide buffers from surrounding uses and support additional amenities.
While the Byng Road Park request had been declined, council confirmed a new off-leash dog area had already been identified for future consideration in Birkdale.
Officers said the William Taylor Memorial Sports Field master plan included potential provision for a dog off-leash area, with the larger site considered more suitable for the facility.
Council advised the petitioner the review had now been completed and the matter was considered closed.
