Media Releases 2010
Curtain Square’s dog-friendly area to stay
18 March 2010
Yarra City Council has decided to retain Curtain Square’s fenced dog off-leash area, but has also requested dog owners using the Carlton North park be more considerate of immediate residents and other park users.
Dog owners who use Curtain Square will be reminded to be considerate of immediate residents early in the morning and to ensure their dogs are on-leash in other areas of the park, Council resolved last night.
The decision to keep the park’s fenced dog off-leash area, on the corner of Canning and Curtain streets, comes after an independent review found there was strong community support for the area.
Council introduced the off-leash area last year as part of its revised Domestic Animal Management Plan. Outside the fenced area, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
In late January, Council engaged independent consultants to conduct a review of the fenced-off area, which included on-site interviews with park users and the distribution of surveys to residents around Curtain Square.
While there was overwhelming support for the fenced-off area, immediate residents did raise concerns about barking near their homes before 8.00am. There were also concerns about dogs being off-leash in other areas of the park.
Yarra Council Mayor Cr Jane Garrett said Council would erect signage asking dog owners to be considerate of immediate residents by promoting quiet use of the off-leash area before 8.00am.
Cr Garrett said Council would also increase education and enforcement in the park, reminding dog users that the remainder of Curtain Square was a dog on-leash area.
She said Council will also further investigate and consult with the community about possibly locking the gates to the area between 10.00pm and 7.00am, or other alternative times.
“These changes should enable a better balance to be struck between the needs of local residents, dog owners, and other park users,” Cr Garrett said.
“We will continue to work with local dog owners and residents to develop a Code of Conduct for users that will ensure the area works better for everyone,” she said.
Council will consider allocating $30,000 as part of its 2010/11 capital works budget for improvements to the off-leash area and other parts of the park
Some of these improvements could include additional signage, improved turf maintenance, and more robust surfaces around each entry and the water fountain.
Council officers will also prepare a report into the possible future extension of Curtain Square, which could see the section of Canning Street that runs between Newry and Curtain streets transformed into open space. The idea was originally proposed in the early 1990s as part of the Curtain Square Master Plan.
For media enquiries about this issue, please contact:
Ainslie Gowan
Coordinator Communications and Public Relations
Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Road Richmond
Telephone 9205 5177, 0400 933 700
ainslie.gowan@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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