The Hobart City Council has released a draft master plan for South Hobart Oval and Park. It's important dog walkers state this area is important for off-lead dog exercise. The draft master plan has been written following community consultation. Although the initial round of consultation received strong feedback from dog walkers, it is important dog walkers continue to make their positions known in this round of consultation. The Hobart Dog Walking Association Inc recommends dog walkers provide feedback to the Council's consultation. The South Hobart Football Club will undoubtedly argue for redevelopment and dog prohibition. Some of the questions in the survey are very pro-development of the oval and Darcey Street park, where dogs are banned. Like many Hobart suburbs, South Hobart would have virtually nowhere for off-lead dog exercise if it wasn't for access to sportsfields when sport isn't being played. The off-lead area on the Hobart Rivulet Track (near MacFarlane st footbridge) is not big enough for the suburb's hundreds of dogs. In 2019, South Hobart had over 500 registered dogs. That figure has probably risen significantly since COVID-19. The South Hobart Recreation Ground (Oval) is popular with many local dog owner, plus dog owners from neighbouring suburbs such as Dynnyrne and Fern Tree, both of which lack off-lead dog exercise areas. The City of Hobart Dog Management Policy is up for review this year. It is important dog bans are not proposed in the dog policy consultation documents.
The final plan will guide future upgrades to the oval, basketball and tennis courts, park space and play areas while ensuring cultural, environmental and social values are upheld and improved. Have your say Community consultation is open until 29 September 2023.
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