New dog parks 2022/2023

Pet pooches and their owners now have a new space to explore with the completion of the Moore Park Beach dog park.

It's one of three dog off-leash parks set to be completed this year with construction also underway at Burnett Heads and starting soon at Apple Tree Creek.

After a lengthy community consultation process, including an online survey and in-person discussions, residents highlighted the two areas as the perfect locations for the new facilities.

Bundaberg Regional Council’s Regulatory Services portfolio spokesperson Cr May Mitchell said the new fenced park in Moore Park Beach featured two areas – one for smaller dogs and one for larger breeds/all dogs.

“The small dog area will include pod seating and two bench seats under shade for owners,” she said.

“It will also provide two square jump-throughs and a balance beam for dogs.

“In the large/all dog area, visitors will find two bench seats under shade, weave poles, a large balance bridge, two hurdles, a jump-through and additional pod seating.

“The entrance will feature a bubbler for both dogs and their owners, ensuring hydration for all.”

The Moore Park Beach dog park, located on Park Drive, will officially open to the public this weekend, weather permitting.

Cr Mitchell said construction had commenced to a dog park at Neill Street in Burnett Heads, with completion of the project scheduled for the end of June/early July.

“The Burnett Heads dog park will share similar features with the Moore Park Beach dog park, including seating, a bubbler and agility equipment,” she said.

“These amenities aim to provide a comfortable and engaging environment for dogs and their owners to enjoy.”

Construction of the Apple Tree Creek dog park in the Apple Tree Creek Community Park on Drummond Street is scheduled to commence next week.

Cr Mitchell said residents could look forward to exciting additions to their local amenities.

“These dog parks will undoubtedly be valuable assets to our community,” she said.

“They will serve as social hubs for dog owners, fostering connections and providing recreational opportunities for both pets and their human companions.

“We appreciate the community's patience during the final stages of the dog park's construction.”

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

Three new fenced dog off-leash parks will be constructed throughout the Bundaberg Region this year following a community consultation process.

The new dog park locations will be:

• Lions Park at Moore Park Beach
• Jack Strathdee Park at Burnett Heads
• The rest stop area at Apple Tree Creek

The three dog parks will include seating, dog watering stations, dog waste bag dispensers, a small dog area (under 15kg) and a large all-dogs area with agility equipment.

Bundaberg Regional Council Health and Regulatory Services portfolio spokesperson Cr May Mitchell said the sites that had been selected had substantial tree cover and mulched garden beds which would provide sensory experiences for visiting dogs.

“Following the procurement process we can now confirm that Council will construct three fenced dog off-leash parks this year of a comparable size and shape to our existing ones,” Cr Mitchell said.

“We’ll also be able to deliver increased seating, a small dog only area, an all-dogs area with agility equipment, a dog watering station and dog waste bag dispensers.”

She said the community consultation process allowed Council to prioritise the new off-leash areas.

“We had a fantastic response to the dog off-leash survey which confirmed that there are plenty of passionate dog owners right throughout our region who would love some dedicated spaces to exercise their pets,” Cr Mitchell said.

“While Moore Park Beach, Burnett Heads and Apple Tree Creek were assessed as being the priority locations for this initial rollout, Council will also continue to consider other locations identified in the survey as time and budget allows.”

New fenced dog off-leash park locations:

Moore Park Beach – Lions Park

Features:

• Central location and existing car parking
• Plenty of shade, water, grass cover and a very flat site
• Existing shelter and seating (outside of dog park perimeter)
• A dog park was suggested in the Lions Park master planning process
• Vegetation buffer and roadway between proposed dog park and houses

Burnett Heads – Jack Strathdee Memorial Park

Features:

• Integrates with existing car parking, playground and toilets
• Plenty of shade, water and some grass cover
• Existing shelter & seating (outside of dog park perimeter)
• Established trees providing natural shade for dogs
• Esplanade footpath adjacent to park used by dog owners

Apple Tree Creek Community Park

Features:

• This is the largest site and is a very well used park
• This site would be suitable for locals and travellers
• There is ample parking and improvements are earmarked including playground upgrade
• Five minutes north of Childers

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.