Our beautiful boy Bailey, a 14-month-old German Shepherd x Rhodesian Ridgeback, loves a good play and needs to run freely and safely interact with other dogs. However, every day we find ourselves driving over half an hour each way just so he can have this joy. It’s a daily commitment that not only takes up precious time but also contributes to unnecessary carbon emissions. We are not alone in this; many dog owners in Ballan face the same predicament because our town lacks a designated space where dogs can play off-leash safely.

Ballan is a vibrant community with many dog lovers who deserve a local facility where their pets can enjoy themselves. A well-designed, fenced-off leash dog park would provide a safe environment not only for dogs to run free and socialize but also for families to gather and build community ties. It would reduce the need for long drives to nearby towns and make Ballan a better place for all its four-legged citizens and their owners.

Statistics show that pet ownership rates are rising, with approximately 61% of Australians owning pets, making Australia one of the highest pet-owning nations worldwide. Given these figures, providing adequate facilities like dog parks is an essential aspect of urban planning, enhancing the quality of life for both pets and their owners.

We propose the creation of a fenced-off leash dog park in Ballan to address this issue. Such a project can be initiated with the cooperation of the local council and community funding efforts. Partnership with local businesses can also play a significant role in bringing this project to fruition. Not only will this project serve our current community, but it will also make Ballan attractive to future residents and visitors.

By signing this petition, you will be supporting a much-needed facility in Ballan, making it a hub for dog lovers and enhancing our community spirit. Please join us in advocating for a fenced off-leash dog park that our community will cherish and benefit from immensely.