A campaigner calling on the Geelong council to install fencing at Rippleside Park believes a dog could soon lose its life if the issue is not addressed.
Jess Robinson lives in central Geelong and started the petition as she believes there needs to be further safety measures in place for dog owners in the area.
“At 5pm, Rippleside Park goes off leash and then there are no parameters in place. There needs to be fencing so dogs can walk past safely on leash,” she said.
Ms Robinson said the nearest dog park to her was a 15 minute drive from the city.
She said fencing at Rippleside Park would be of great benefit to dog owners who lived in the vicinity.
Ms Robinson said the park would allow dog owners to teach their pets recall in a safe and sensitive environment.
Jess Robinson has started a petition to improve Rippleside Park by including a fenced dog park that would be safer for people and dogs. Jess Robinson pictured with Gwen her Italian Greyhound. Picture: Mark Wilson
City of Greater Geelong Council executive director of planning and design, Joanne Van Slageren, said there was a high level of community enthusiasm for dog parks across the region.
“However, given the current financial constraints facing the City, we have had to prioritise key projects to deliver over 2023-24,” she said.
“Construction of an additional dog park has not been identified as a priority for Council this year.
“Nevertheless, we are actively exploring opportunities to access State Government funding for dog parks, which was announced in the lead-up to last year’s election.”
If successful, she said their highest priority would be Aldershot Reserve dog park – a projects proposed to be placed on hold in next year’s budget.
Ms Van Slageren said Council will continue to plan for future dog parks across the municipality and welcome all proposals from the community.