Dogs on-lead welcome at Western Reserve

Published on 04 December 2023

Mount Alexander Shire Councillors have lifted the ban on dogs on the oval at Western Reserve in Castlemaine. 

The resolution was passed by Councillors at the November meeting of Council, with four Councillors in favour of the decision, and three against.

In August, Councillor Rosie Annear moved a Notice of Motion proposing Council ask the community for feedback on the prohibition of dogs on-lead at Western Reserve after community advocacy to revoke the ban.

Further community feedback on the issue undertaken in September resulted in 474 submissions, with 72 percent of people indicating dogs should be allowed on-lead at Western Reserve.

“We’ve asked our community for their input on this, and they’ve told us what they want us to do. Now we need to listen,” said Deputy Mayor Annear. 

“Council has a new Communications and Engagement Strategy, which we adopted in October.

“Its core vision is that we, as Council, will start by asking.

“Our community have said they want to share Western Reserve with their dogs, and I’m so pleased to say that this Council has listened, and agreed to that.”

In the coming weeks, Council will update existing signage at the reserve, and also install doggie bag dispensers to encourage responsible pet ownership.

“We are a shire of pet owners, and I believe that most people do the right thing in picking up after their dog,” said Mayor Driscoll.

“Now we’ve made the decision to allow dogs on-lead at Western Reserve, we want to make it easier for people to be responsible pet owners.

“If you’re out and about in the shire and you have your dog with you – make sure they’re on-lead and please carry a dog bag with you and use it,” said Mayor Driscoll.

Information on Council’s decision and the consultation summary is in the November Council Meeting minutes at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Council/Council-meetings/Past-Council-Meetings.