Exciting new dog parks in Tongala and Kyabram are on the horizon.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Concept designs for the hotly anticipated dog parks in Tongala and Kyabram have been finalised.
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Campaspe Shire Council confirmed on Tuesday, May 13, that concept plans, evaluation and tendering for the two pooch parks have been completed and construction is expected to begin as early as Monday, May 19.
Last year, Campaspe Shire Council confirmed it had earmarked Edis Park in Kyabram and Brose Reserve in Tongala for potential off-leash dog parks.
Part of the Campaspe Shire 2024-25 Budget referred to the allocation of $500,000 towards two off-leash exercise parks in Kyabram and Tongala, with council officers mentioning designs would be completed last September.
In May, two sets of concept plans were shared with Kyabram and Tongala’s respective development groups before being confirmed.
The Kyabram off-leash dog park will be built inside Edis Park and will feature a quiet dog area for timid dogs, a new hydro-turfed area, landscaping, garden bed and shelter, along with new turf for dogs to stick their paws into, according to the concept plans.
The Kyabram off-leash dog park will be built inside Edis Park.
Photo by
Kyabram Free Press
Vonda Meloni, a former member of the Kyabram development committee, has seen this project through since even before the COVID-19 pandemic and campaigned for a space for dogs in Kyabram in a petition years ago.
She said she was happy the project was finally coming to fruition.
“I’m hoping the owners find the park a nice, relaxing, clean space to run their dogs without the pressure or hassle or keeping them on a leash,” she said.
“I just hope people have common sense and abide by the rules, and I hope people enjoy the park as a place to not worry about cars and other people.”
Council expects construction on Edis Park to begin in early June.
The Tongala off-leash park, nestled behind Brose Reserve, promises a well-designed haven for dogs of all temperaments.
The concept plans reveal a dedicated quiet zone for timid pooches, landscaping, a winding gravel track around the park, shelters and a dry creek bed for curious canines to explore.
The concept plans for the Tongala off-leash dog park to be built behind Brose Reserve.
Photo by
Kyabram Free Press
Tongala Development Committee president Jason Kelley said he thought it was a great project for Tongala.
“It’s a positive sign for the community in terms of growth,” Mr Kelley said.
“It’s a much better space than what we thought we were going to get, and it’s a much bigger allocated space.
“I think it will be a good place to socialise, a safe space to take dogs to get a run around.
“Hopefully, this is the beginning of Tongala getting more of the basics we deserve.”
Council expects construction at Tongala to begin on Monday, May 19.
Campaspe Shire Council infrastructure director Kate Lemon said council would like to see both projects completed by the end of June, but acknowledged it was “an ambitious target”.
She expects there to be minimal disruption for park-goers through the construction phase, with both areas to be fenced off.
Ms Lemon hopes both people and dogs reap the benefits of social interaction, physical activity, mental wellbeing and the controlled environment that the parks will bring to the community.
“The development of these dog parks was a key community priority of the Kyabram and Tongala Place-Based Plans, to allow people and their dogs to feel welcome to exercise and socialise with other dogs and their owners,” she said.
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