Fishermans Bend in Melbourne is undergoing Australia's largest urban renewal project, spanning 480 hectares to accommodate 80,000 residents. It's an exciting development, promising new homes and community spaces. However, there's a glaring oversight that we've desperately noticed: there is currently no commitment to creating a dedicated dog off-leash park.

We have a solution: Elder Smith Reserve on Williamstown Road (see map) is an unloved site that could be turned into a much-needed dog off-leash park.

As a dog-owner, this concern hits close to home. Over 40% of households in Victoria have at least one dog, a statistic that highlights the joyous place these furry friends have in our lives and communities. Dogs are family. They deserve the chance to run and socialise, and their owners need spaces where they can relax and connect, too. 

An off-leash park at Elder Smith Reserve would not just benefit the dogs. It would create a vibrant social hub for families and individuals to engage with others in the community, fostering connections and building lasting relationships. 

Without this new dog off-leash park, dog owners will have to walk a long way to reach already overused dog parks such as Garden City and Hester Reserves, or will have to navigate their way between the JL Murphy sports fields where there is already conflict between dog owners and sports groups. 

Port Phillip Council is spending millions on new sports facilities in the area. Where is the expenditure on dog spaces? A dog off-leash park is a  cost-effective solution that could have immeasurable benefits for the new and existing residents of Fishermans Bend. Please sign this petition to give our dogs and our community the space they need to flourish.