Project Update - May 2022

In October 2021, Council resolved for staff to conduct a review of the Henley Park dog off-leash facilities, seeking feedback on fencing, accessibility and other improvements the park may benefit from. Consultation was run from 25 February to 25 March 2022, with opportunities to provide feedback via an online survey, in writing, via phone or face to face at a drop-in session.

Feedback from the community was diverse and somewhat conflicting from the different users of the park.

Given that councils resolutions for education and enforcement is due to be reported back to Council, it is appropriate to defer a decision on fencing for Henley Park.

The focus for the education and enforcement campaign will be on responsible dog ownership.

Other improvements such as new tree planting, additional seating and bin are recommended to proceed. The existing fence at the corner of Flavelle and Pitt Streets to be given an extension by means of a low-level planting for a distance along Pitt Street.

A report was developed and presented to Council at the 19 April Council Meeting, with the following outcome:

1. THAT Council defer a decision on further fencing options for Henley Park, for a period of up to 12 months, pending the outcome of the program of education and enforcement of responsible dog ownership across the Canada Bay LGA.

2. THAT tree planting and low level barrier planting be completed around the corner of Pitt Street and Flavelle Street up to a maximum of 25 metres along Pitt Street.

3. THAT a report be prepared and submitted to Council on the fence options for Henley Park, following the program of education and enforcement of responsible dog ownership across the Canada Bay LGA.

4. THAT Council consider the development of a masterplan for Henley Park.

We will provide additional details regarding the education and enforcement program, as well as the barrier planting on this page in the coming months.

Project Background

In early 2020, Council trialled an off-leash area in a section of Henley Park, Concord. The trial was conducted over 5 weeks and feedback from the local community and park users was collected throughout this period.

In May 2020, Council resolved to establish a permanent off-leash area in Henley Park. For more information about the trial, click here.

In June 2021, following Henley Park being a dog off-leash area for 12 months, we reported back to Council as part of a review of the new dog off-leash area. The report and its recommendations can be found under Item 15 here.

In October 2021, Council resolved for staff to conduct a review of the Henley Park dog off-leash facilities, seeking feedback on fencing, accessibility and other improvements the park may benefit from. The outcome of that consultation is outlined above.