The CoPP Dog Network, which formed late last year in response to the then Council’s dog off leash guidelines, which prior to the group’s advocacy would have reduced the amount of space available for dogs.

Since their time the CoPP Dog Network has quickly emerged as a peak group representing the interests of dog owners and the dog parks.

This evening I was invited to address members of the CoPP Dog Network to discuss the several key projects that impact spaces for dogs:

• The Port Melbourne Light Rail Linear Parks Master Plan
• Consultation on the dog spaces identified in the Dog off Leash Guidelines
• The need to proactively identified dog off-leash spaces within Fishermans Bend

The Port Melbourne Light Rail Linear Park encompasses the reserves abutting the 109 tram route, of which the Bay Street side (Hester, Smith, Howe and Page) encompasses off-leash spaces for dogs. The master plan will provide a roadmap for improvements for these reserves, as well as the Fishermans Bend side (Cook, Turner, Walter, Gill and Fennell) which incorporates play equipment and a bicycle path.

Separately, Council is also seeking feedback on several initiatives within the Dog off-leash Guidelines, including a proposed off-leash dog park at Fennell Reserve. The inclusion of a dog park at this location will provide the formalised first off-leash dog park for Fishermans Bend.

Fishermans Bend is projected to have 80,000 residents by 2050 and given the profile of higher density living, it is extremely likely that the dog population will continue to grow. I am keen to advance Council’s planning for community needs of Fishermans Bend and am looking forward to develop this over my term on Council.