New off leash dog parks safer for smaller dogs

Councillor Jade Wellings, small dog owner Mel Calder with her son Bruce and dog Wally tried out the new facilities at the small-dog off-leash park in Craignish.

Fraser Coast residents will now be able to take their pet pooches to new off leash areas in Craignish and Granville where small dogs can be kept separate from big dogs.

Visiting the newly completed off leash area in Petersen Road, Craignish today, Cr Jade Wellings said having two sections would give residents the confidence to take their little dogs out to socialise without a potential conflict with a larger dog.

“There are a range of off leash dog areas throughout the Fraser Coast that are very popular, but until now, we didn’t have any areas with dedicated sections for little dogs and big dogs,” she said.

“A number of people raised with me that they were worried about taking their small dogs to a dog park where it was one big fenced area.

“This created concern about conflict, and whether that conflict is started by a small dog or a big dog, it’s always the small dog that comes off second best.

“I’m pleased that Council has listened to the community and created new sectioned off leash dog areas at the Petersen Park in Craignish and the Brendan Hansen Park in Granville.”

Cr Welling said the off leash dog area was the latest of a range of improvements made to the Petersen Park over the past 18 months.

“Craignish is one of the fastest growing areas on the Fraser Coast and Petersen Park is becoming even more popular following recent makeovers,” she said.

“The works have included the installation of a shade cover over the playground equipment, lighting and electrical upgrades, improvements to the picnic shelter, a new asphalt car park and concrete walkway, and an upgrade of the BMX track.

“It’s fantastic to see how local families have embraced Petersen Park and the addition of the new off leash dog area for small and large dogs is another great enhancement to this space.”