The February Hilltops Council Meeting saw the Young Showground endorsed as the preferred site for an off-leash dog area in Young. The former Young Shire Council initially investigated a possible dog park in 2011, with $25,000 allocated towards the project in the following year. In January 2014, Council informed the Showground Trust that they would not be proceeding with the project until the Plan of Management for the Showground was prepared and endorsed. Council had reservations about placing the park on land not under their control, as the Showground is managed by a trust. Of particular concern was the inability to always guarantee public access due to events held at the Showgrounds, as well as the presence of horses which many dogs would be unfamiliar with. April 2017 saw a report presented that recommended relocating the proposed dog park to the Jack Howard Reserve.
During this time the Young Lions Club sought to partner with Council in the development of the project, in order to celebrate the Centennial of Lions International. July’s Council meeting saw it resolved that the $25,000 in funds from the initial plan would be allocated towards the Jack Howard Reserve Plan. Council also welcomed any contributions from the Young Lions Club. Since that resolution Council staff have continued to plan for the project to be completed, following a final decision on site election. The project will include fencing, parking, water connection, drainage, gravel pathways, signage, bubblers and seating.
The project has been costed at a total of $132,900. The existing Plan of Management for Jack Howard Reserve was amended and readvertised for public comment prior to endorsement. Council received one submission during the timeframe, that opposed the relocation of the off-leash area. Council understands that the Showground Trust are rapidly developing a plan of management, that would allow the show ground to include an off-leash dog park. In light of these factors, Council made the decision to return to their original decision, and re-endorse Young Showground as the preferred site for the proposed off-leash dog park.
