Published 29 November 2023, updated 17 January 2024
The City is once again reviewing Bunbury’s dog control areas and is asking our community – both dog owners and non-dog owners – to provide feedback.
It is important the City provides spaces for our residents to exercise their dogs while also providing dog-free zones to help protect our natural habitat and wildlife, allowing our entire community to be able to safely enjoy our beautiful open spaces and facilities.
Dogs are allowed on-leash in most public places within the city, however residents should refer to the City’s Dog Control Areas Map for prohibited and off-lead areas.
As part of a review, the City has launched a survey to obtain feedback from the community to help understand the needs of both dog owners and non-dog owners.
The last review was done by the City in 2019 and resulted in positive changes such as an additional dog off-leash area, the supply of dog bag dispensers and clearer signage. This latest review is being undertaken in line with requirements under the Dog Act 1976.
The City has already enlisted its Co-Design Access Panel as part of the feedback process to also ensure our dog areas are inclusive and accessible to the best of our ability.
Further, the popular John Banks Memorial Dog Park forms an important part of this review however improvements and possible expansions are set to be considered once fully scoped in the 2024-25 year.
It is also important to note, the City currently does not have projected budget for infrastructure upgrades as part of this review, but community feedback is likely to inform future plans.
The City will roll out other engagement opportunities in the coming months – so watch this space! The survey can be completed online here or in person at our Administration Building by 22 January 2024.