Review of dog exercise areas in the ACT
Questions and answers
Why review the dog exercise maps?
The current dog exercise maps are almost 10 years old. Canberra has grown and changed a
lot in this time, particularly with the residential expansion in Gungahlin and the Molonglo
Valley. The ACT Government has reviewed the dog exercise maps that show where dogs are
allowed on and off-leash and where they are prohibited.
What’s the aim of the review?
The review aims to find the right balance between protecting the natural environment,
maintaining community enjoyment of recreational spaces and providing sufficient space for
dogs to be exercised on and off-leash. The Government is seeking feedback on the proposed
changes, both from dog owners and Canberrans who use our parks and open spaces.
Having your say is easy by
1. Attending a drop-in information session where you will be shown how to access the
maps and complete the survey. The sessions will be held in Belconnen, Gungahlin,
Inner North, Inner South, Tuggeranong, Woden/Weston (including Molonglo)
Information on the timing and location of these sessions is on the Time to Talk
website www.timetotalk.act.gov.au
2. Viewing the maps on the Time to Talk website at www.timetotalk.act.gov.au and
completing the online survey.
3. Picking up a hard copy of the survey at any ACT public library.
When does the consultation close?
The consultation process closes Friday 1 August 2014 and the new dog exercise area maps
are expected to be finalised in late 2014.
Dog parks
The ACT has specially designed parks for dogs. These parks are fully fenced areas where
dogs are free to exercise and mix with other dogs. When dogs are in these parks, they need
to be in the care of a responsible person.
The dog parks are located at:
 Amy Ackman Drive, Forde
 Springbank Rise, Casey
 Diddams Close, Lake Ginninderra
 Mortimer Lewis Drive, Lake Tuggeranong
 Yarralumla, adjacent to Weston Park
 Fairfax Street, O’Connor.
Are there places dogs aren’t allowed?
Yes. Some areas have been declared as dog prohibited areas. These areas include:
 child care centres, pre schools and school grounds for safety reasons
 around barbeques in parks (10 metre exclusion zone) for hygiene reasons
 around playgrounds (10 metre exclusion zone) for safety reasons
 some waterways for the safety of native wildlife and dogs
 nature parks and environmentally sensitive areas
 enclosed ovals
 aquatic facilities (e.g. public pools)
 synthetic sporting facilities eg synthetic hockey and soccer playing areas.
These areas marked in red on the new maps.
Why aren’t dogs proposed to be allowed in wetlands?
Nutrient sources in waterways include fertilisers, sewage and chemical effluent. Increased
nutrients support the growth of water plants including a type of algae called blue/green algae.
This algae can cause poisoning and, among our domestic animals, dogs are most susceptible.
This is due to their preference for swimming and drinking in dense waterblooms and a greater
species sensitivity to the some of the toxins that are produced by this type of algae.
Rules regarding responsible dog ownership
Dog owners must:
 register and micro-chip their dog(s)
 ensure their dog wears its registration or dog tag which displays the registration number
 pick up after their dog and carry a bag or equipment to remove any dog droppings
 have their dog de-sexed or apply for a licence to keep a sexually entire dog
 possess a licence should they wish to keep four or more dogs.
These rules are regulated under the Domestic Animals Act, 2000. This Act provides for the
identification and registration of certain animals, specifically dogs and cats, the duties of owners,
carers and keepers, and for other purposes such as the control of dogs in the ACT. Dog exercise
area maps are created under the Domestic Animals Act, 2000.
Where are dogs required to be on-leash?
The majority of Canberra is designated as dog on-leash. This means that when a dog is on public
land, it should be on a leash. These areas are not coloured on the maps.
Where can dogs be off-leash?
Dog off-leash areas are found at parks and ovals when the area is not being used formally, for
example when sport is not being played. Dog off-leash areas have also been identified where
there is sufficient space for dogs to be exercised without disturbing people, animals and other
wildlife. These areas are marked in green on the new maps.
What about time share options?
There may be opportunities for time share arrangements where dogs may be exercised off-leash
at certain times of the day or year. These opportunities will be further explored as part of the
consultation process. The survey has a question asking for feedback on this arrangement.
For further information
Visit www.timetotalk.act.gov.au or call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.