A local park built on a former rubbish tip has sparked controversy after being declared safe for children but unsuitable for dogs.
The park on Monier Park Road in Darra has raised concerns among residents who question the safety standards.
Once a landfill site, the outdoor space was transformed into a park featuring a BMX facility and opened to the public in 2019. Resident Kerrie Bolte and other community members recently approached the local council with a proposal to designate a park section as an off-leash area for dogs. They argued that the area needed more utilised and located a significant distance from the BMX track. This request came in response to increased enforcement of leash laws and fines for dog owners.
However, Councillor Sarah Hutton of the Jamboree Ward rejected the proposal, citing the park’s designation as a District General Outdoor Sports area according to the City Plan 2014. Crucially, Cr Hutton’s response revealed that the former landfill site has minimal capping over the historic waste – as little as 5cm in some areas. Due to safety concerns, council standards require a minimum depth of 30cm for off-leash dog areas.
Ms Bolte expressed her shock at the councillor’s response, questioning the logic of deeming the park safe for children to play sports on while considering it unsafe for dogs. She highlighted the inconsistency and raised concerns about the potential hazards of the thin covering layer over the former landfill.
Cr Hutton maintained that Monier Road Park is a safe and enjoyable space for children to play in but unsuitable for dogs that may dig deep holes. She emphasised the numerous dog parks within walking distance as alternative options for dog owners.
This situation has raised questions about the adequacy of the site assessment and the potential risks associated with its former use. Residents are now seeking clarification on the safety standards for parks built on reclaimed land.
Published Date 04-December-2024