Australia Post has begun deploying citronella spray to Posties in Darra as part of a national response to the rising number of dog-related safety incidents.
Background of Safety Concerns
Australia Post has recorded a surge in dog-related incidents across the country, with 1,150 incidents reported in just six months between November 2024 and May 2025. Darra, alongside Bundamba and Toowoomba, has been identified as one of the most impacted locations in Queensland, which recorded a total of 388 cases during this period.
Despite previous public appeals urging dog owners to contain their animals, these efforts have not led to a decline in aggressive encounters. Many incidents have required medical attention and have prompted internal reviews of current safety protocols.
New Safety Measure Rolled Out
To address the rising threat, Australia Post is issuing a water-based citronella spray to all delivery personnel as a defensive measure. The initiative began with a two-phase trial in high-risk areas, where the spray was found to be effective in 80% of trials, causing dogs to retreat and allowing the worker time to move to safety.
The rollout prioritises suburbs like Darra and will expand to all delivery staff by late July, including parcel delivery drivers. All staff will receive training on proper use, with a focus on deploying the spray only as a final line of defence.
Delivery-Related Risks Explained
Data shows that 40% of dog-related incidents occurred on private property, with half of those triggered when a front door was opened during parcel delivery. Street-based incidents made up 57% of cases, with roaming or escaped dogs accounting for the majority. Australia Post has also flagged 35,000 dog-related hazards in its digital systems, representing a 20% rise since late 2024.
Alternatives and Prevention Campaigns
Australia Post has reinforced its dog safety campaign through a prevention-based program called “PAWS for Delivery,” encouraging dog owners to contain their pets using a three-step process: sit, stay, and secure. The organisation also recommends the use of 24/7 Parcel Lockers or local Post Offices as safer alternatives when pet containment is not guaranteed.
Worker Feedback on Safety Tools
A Postie and former veterinarian nurse shared their experience of being bitten during a routine delivery, resulting in injury and prolonged physical impact. They stated the citronella spray offers added peace of mind, particularly when working in suburbs with high incident rates like Darra.
Next Steps and Ongoing Review
Following the full distribution of the citronella spray, Australia Post will monitor incident data and continue reviewing risk protocols. The goal is to balance safety measures with proactive engagement from the community to reduce hazards.
Published 8-June-2025
