Victoria Stone-Meadows

Construction of a trial off-lead dog park in Port Douglas is set to get underway in the next few weeks with materials delivered to the site last week.

An update notice emailed to Port Gardens residents today outlines where the project is up to and what residents can expect as the project progresses.

According to the update notice, several truckloads of sand and soil were placed in Hutchings Park from works being undertaken in Murphy Street to repair landslips.

These materials will be used in the construction of the trial park and rather than take the material to another location and then transport it back to the site when required, Council is stockpiling the materials until construction commences.

While the design of the park is still being developed and an exact location is yet to be determined, the approximate location of the trial park is in a corner of Hutchings park on Oriole Street near the intersection with Shearwater Street. 

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A copy of the design of the park will be published once it has been signed off and approved by Council. 

The project will include welded mesh fencing for the perimeter of the park, water fountains, activity areas and a ball play area.

Natural rummaging environments such as rock scramble and shade trees will be planted, while seating, bins for dog droppings, and signage will also be installed.

The $145,000 trial dog park was first announced in conjunction with Council’s most recent budget in June last year.

In September last year, Council undertook a survey of residents in Port Gardens, which 74 people responded to, and returned a positive endorsement from 44 of those people.

About 40% of people surveyed in Port Gardens were against the dog park and raised a number of concerns including noise, cleanliness, traffic, and flooding.

The park will operate as a trial for 10 weeks and Council will conduct noise monitoring and traffic counts for the duration to monitor the affect of the park.

At the time the park trial was first announced, Douglas Mayor Julia Leu said the park could become a great community asset.

“This is something dog owners have been asking for,” she said.

“Dog parks provide a fantastic opportunity for people and their pets to socialise with the wider community.

“I can see this park becoming a real social hub for pet lovers.”

Following the trial, Council will undertake a second survey of residents and park users to determine the success of the project trial.

The results from these studies and second survey will be analysed and Council will then make a decision if the park will become permanent.

See the full results from the September community consultation survey on Council’s Website.