Project Background

Council has identified a growing need for a fenced Dog Off-Leash Area in Crows Nest, 'Dog-Off Leash Areas and Restricted Areas Future Planning in the Toowoomba Region’ report.

From a community survey held from 26 August to 15 September, 60% of respondents supported Skelly Recreation Reserve as the preferred location over the alternative option of Dale Street Park.

We now have the concept plan for the park, which was developed from community feedback and is aligned with the Dog Off leash desired standard of service.

This plan provides a high-level overview, showing the proposed location and the key features, with the off-leash park area to include:

  • Regulatory signage identifying rules and designated area
  • Fenced area of approx. 4000sq metres
  • Drinking fountain and water access for dogs
  • Waste bin
  • Seating


NEXT STEPS

We now awaiting additional funding to become available before we can progress with construction. When this occurs, there will also be a second round of community consultation which will be required to formally adopt the park location under the Local Laws process.

The community will be given advice when this local laws consultation process is open for feedback.

Off-leash park responsibilities

It should be noted that within any public area dog handlers must:

  • keep their dog(s) under effective control at all times, either by:
    • restraint on a leash OR
    • unrestrained within a designated dog off-leash area but under the continuous supervision of a person who is able to control the animal by voice command
  • immediately remove and dispose of their dog’s faeces in a sanitary manner
  • prevent their dog(s) from attacking a person or animal, or acting in a way that causes fear to a person or animal, or cause damage to property
  • ensure their dog(s) are currently registered within the local government area where they are usually kept
  • ensure that declared dangerous, menacing dogs, and prohibited breeds meet with conditions outlined in the declaration for that animal
  • ensure that female dogs that are in season (on heat) are not brought into a public area.

Local laws and penalties apply.