Kingston View Drive Dog Park is set to be relocated as part of the broader redevelopment plan for the area, which includes the transformation of Kingston’s Twin Ovals into the state-of-the-art AFL High Performance Centre (HPC).
While the forthcoming HPC has brought excitement to the community, some dog owners feel left in the dark about the park’s future.
“Owners of the dogs at the park were not given time for this news,” one dog owner said.
Kingborough Council discussed the relocation at their final meeting of 2024.
During the meeting, Kingborough Mayor Paula Wriedt said Council’s ambition would be to have the new dog park location available before the current one is made unavailable due to construction.
“We want to know why we weren’t invited to the meeting and why Kingborough Dog Walking Association (KDWA) was allowed to make the decision on our behalf,” the dog owner said.
“We want to know where they are going to make our new park or replacement park.”
In response, KDWA President Doctor Katrina Ward stated KDWA had no option on losing the park.
“It is Council-owned land and as such, Council made the decision,” Dr Ward.
“They are committed to their promise to provide an equivalent dog exercise area.
“KDWA is working closely with Council to look at all options.”
Cr Wriedt said Council has had a preliminary meeting with KDWA to understand the requirements for a new exercise area.
“Since the start of the process of hosting the AFL High Performance Centre on this site, Council has committed that appropriate replacements are made available to the facilities impacted,” Cr Wriedt said.
“We are working through potential locations that may be suitable for the dog park.
“Any proposed new area will be subject to a full public consultation process as required by the Dog Control Act 2000.”
