Warwick residents are being invited to have a say next week on a proposed plan by Southern Downs Regional Council for a new site where dogs can run off leash.
Warwick’s only fenced Dog Off-Leash Area near the Condamine River is vulnerable to flooding, with the last inundation causing irreparable damage.
A more resilient location is needed and officers are now investigating viable alternative locations.
Residents are invited to stop for a chat with council officers who will be on-hand at two Drop-in Hubs next week.
The first is on Wednesday 15 March between 7am and 8.30am at Victoria Park, corner of Pratten and William Streets.
The second is on Friday 17 March 2023, at the same time and location.
Council’s manager for parks and gardens Chris Collingwood said council was committed to providing a safe, pet-friendly space for Warwick’s dogs to run, exercise, train, play and socialise with other dogs and dog park visitors.
“We appreciate that Warwick dog lovers are desperate to have a local park formalised as a space for their furry friends to run free,” he said.
“It was certainly a blow when consecutive floods last year destroyed Warwick’s off-leash dog park and we have since been working on identifying an alternative site.
“Community member will appreciate that council must follow due process to finalise insurance claims, concept designs, and scoping work for flood resilient locations, however the process is at the stage where council wants to hear from the community.
“There are several factors when considering a new and viable location, such as proximity to the town centre, distance from residential properties, parking access and integration into existing urban parks with paths, water and toilets.
“Council encourages the community to get involved in this project by visiting the hubs to learn more about the proposed options, share ideas and provide feedback.
“Dog owners in particular are encouraged to come along and discuss the plans so we can deliver a park they can enjoy with their pooches.”
Council’s Parks and Gardens team is leading the development of a new dog park in Warwick and capitalising on the opportunity to develop a new generic design and development guideline that could act as a blue print for the region’s future needs.
The new off-leash dog park is expected to be funded through insurance following the floods as well as external funding opportunities.
