By Tate Papworth
Brimbank residents and their four-legged best friends may soon have a new place to enjoy the outdoors.
Last week the state government pledged $5 million to build up to 15 new off-leash dog parks across Melbourne, including Brimbank.
The government said, if re-elected, it will work with the Brimbank council to identify an under-utilised park or reserve suitable for an enclosed dog park.
Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman said the park will add to the community.
“Having an outside space to let our four legged-friends off their leash is so important in our growing community, that’s why a re-elected Labor government will build a brand new dog park in Brimbank,” Ms Suleyman said.
Boroondara, Casey, Darebin, Hume, Kingston, Knox, Maroondah, Moonee Valley, Nillumbik, Stonnington and Wyndham have also been earmarked to receive new dog parks.
Member for Kororoit Marlene Kairouz said the parks were further recognition of the role dogs play in our lives.
“For so many locals, their dogs are like family members – that’s why Labor banned cruel puppy farming and gave renters the right to keep a pet,” Ms Kairouz said.
According to the state government more than one in three Victorians own a dog.
It said that with more people choosing to live in apartments or units without a backyard, the dog parks will provide a place where people can get outdoors, socialise and exercise their pets.
The state government’s rental reforms allow tenants the right to keep pets, provided they obtain the landlord’s written consent.
The request can only be refused by order of VCAT. The reforms are set to commence by July 1, 2020.
