February 2023

City of Parramatta has endorsed a plan to create a dog off-leash area for the community at West Epping Park.

The final concept plan is a refined version of the draft concept plan endorsed by Council, incorporating enhancements requested by the community during public consultation, including:

  • lighting to extend hours of use
  • drainage improvements to address waterlogging

The location and alignment of trees, garden beds, fencing, light poles and furniture have also been slightly adjusted to improve maintenance access, address the overland drainage flow and ensure we meet current lighting standards.

Background

Dogs are required to be on a lead when in a public park or reserve unless it has been declared as an ‘off-leash’ area. Council currently provides a number of ‘off-leash’ exercise areas in recognition of the benefits for the health and well-being of dogs and their owners.

A growing proportion of our residents are living in apartments and townhouses without access to large backyards. Research also indicates rising household rates of dog ownership, which together are increasing the demand for off-leash areas to provide safe opportunities for dog exercise and socialisation. The Epping Ward currently lacks a dedicated dog off-leash area, with the closest being located in adjoining local government areas.

The adopted West Epping Master Plan identifies a potential dog off-leash area at Grant Close, Epping. This open grassed area is free of obstacles to maximise running space and has clear sight lines to assist dog owners maintain effective control.

It is proposed that the off-leash area will be fenced with double-gates at the entry to provide a secure space for dogs that prevents potential conflict with other park users. The dog off-leash area is proposed to include the following facilities:

  • Bag dispenser
  • Seating
  • Shade trees (deciduous)
  • Signage
  • Water drinking station (bubbler and bowl)
  • Waste bin

Final concept plan

A bird's eye view of the proposed off-leash area bordering on Grant Close and adjacent to the car park

Community engagement

Community consultation on the concept design closed at 5pm on Monday 28 March 2022.

The project generated a high level of interest in the community:

  • 221 residents completed the survey
  • More than 80% supported the proposal
  • 98% supported a fenced facility

The most important features were:

1. Fencing

2. Waste bags/bins

3. Water

4. Shade

5. Seating

Community feedback indicated the need for drainage and lighting to improve capacity and meet the needs of a growing community. This will be considered in the detailed design should additional funding be secured.

Council endorsed the concept plan on Monday 27 June 2022. Please follow this page for updates on this project.

Frequently asked questions

The dog owner or handler must be present at all times and is responsible to have their dog/s under effective control, being no more than four (4) dogs that should respond to voice commands. Dog owners or handlers are also required to immediately remove and dispose of any droppings in the provided waste bin.

Dogs must be registered, micro-chipped and wear a collar with a name tag that shows the name of the dog and contact details of the owner.

Dogs that are declared as dangerous or menacing are not permitted within an off-leash area.

The proposal includes a bin and bag dispenser to dispose of dog faeces and any other litter.

Fencing provides a secure space separate from other park users that allows dogs to run freely whilst minimising potential conflicts. It also assists older and/or less mobile owners to maintain effective control.

New and existing deciduous trees will provide shade during the warmer months whilst allowing for sunlight during the cooler months.

The proposed dog off-leash area is consistent with the adopted West Epping Park masterplan, which retains the adjoining grassed area south of the carpark as a multi-use recreational and event space.

Dogs are permitted on a lead outside the designated off-leash area but must not be within 10m of playground or picnic and BBQ areas where food is prepared or consumed (unless passing by on a pathway) or are a registered and suitably trained assistance dog.

No separate areas are proposed due to the limited space available and the need to ensure adequate dispersal of dog movement to minimise potential conflicts.

Signage will be installed to educate owners of their responsibilities to keep dogs under effective control and will include relevant contact details in the event of any complaints or emergencies. Complaints regarding problematic and aggressive behaviour will be directed to Council Animal Management Officers for investigation.

The West Epping Park Masterplan was adopted in by Hornsby Shire Council in 2015 and identifies a potential dog off-leash area subject to separate approval. It was not included in the approved construction works transferred to the City of Parramatta following local government boundary changes.

The lights will switch on at sunset and switch off at 10pm consistent with the existing lighting of other facilities within West Epping Park.

The design incorporates additional drainage infrastructure to reduce the impacts of water ponding and improve maintenance capabilities.

SUPPORT

If you need assistance preparing a submission, or you would you like information supplied in another language or format, please contact Council's Community Engagement Team via 1300 617 058 or participate@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au.

If you would like to speak to someone over the phone in another language, call TIS National on 131 450 for a free interpreting service. Let them know that you want to speak to City of Parramatta Council and your chosen language, and they will connect you.

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市议会致力于确保每个人都能获得所需要的信息。如果您需要以其它语言或格式获取信息，请致电 1300 617 058 或发送电邮至 participate@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

如果您希望以其它语言进行电话交谈，请致电 131 450 联系 TIS 全国服务中心获取免费传译服务。告诉他们您想与 Parramatta 市议会通话和您选用的语言，他们就会为您接通。

यहाँ क्लिक करें

काउंसिल यह सुनिश्चित करने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है कि सभी लोगों को अपनी ज़रूरत की जानकारी सुलभ हो। अगर आप किसी अन्य भाषा या फॉर्मेट में जानकारी चाहते/चाहती हैं, तो कृपया 1300 617 058 पर कॉल करें या participate@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au पर ईमेल भेजें

अगर आप फ़ोन पर किसी अन्य भाषा में बात करना चाहते/चाहती हैं, तो निःशुल्क दुभाषिया सेवा के लिए 131 450 पर TIS National को कॉल करें। उन्हें बताएं कि आप सिटी ऑफ़ पैरामाटा काउंसिल से अपनी चुनी हुई भाषा में बात करना चाहते/चाहती हैं और वे आपको कनेक्ट करेंगे।

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카운슬은 모든 사람이 필요한 정보를 이용할 수 있도록 최선을 다해 지원합니다. 다른 언어나 형식으로 된 정보를 원하시면‚ 전화 1300 617 058번 또는 이메일 participate@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au로 연락하십시오.

다른 언어로 전화 문의를 원하시면, 통번역 서비스(TIS National) 전화 131 450번으로 연락해 무료 통역을 이용하십시오. 파라마타 시 카운슬과 통화를 원한다고 말하고 해당 언어를 선택하시면 연결됩니다.

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