Wakerley’s wait for dog park almost over

Prior to the last Council election, I received a Change.org petition signed by over 200 Wakerley residents requesting Council provide a dog off-leash area for the Mossvale Estate.

I subsequently committed to deliver a Dog Off-Leash for the estate, if re-elected.

I now intend to make good on that promise.

Council has assessed six local parks within Mossvale Estate as to their suitability for an off-leash area. These include Torrens Crescent Park, Mossvale Drive Park, Barwin Street Park, Yarra Road Park, Watervale Parade Park and Moss Road Park.

Due to a variety of environmental and constructability factors, Watervale Parade Park was the only suitable location identified. This location has not been proposed previously.

Detailed design has now been completed and I have attached a concept plan for your reference.

While this site will only provide a small off-leash area, this is considered optimal as it will not generate extra traffic flows or parking issues for nearby residents.

In normal circumstances, Council would provide a range of options for the community to choose from.

However, given the lack of any alternative options and the fact that this was an election commitment, I have asked officers to proceed directly to construction so the community can begin to use this facility.

Construction is expected to commence during May 2017, weather permitting.

I would like to thank all those residents who have lobbied Council for many years on this issue.