Melburnians and their four-legged friends in the south eastern suburbs are celebrating the opening of two new off-leash dog parks in Carrum Downs and Cranbourne East.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today officially opened Sandfield Reserve Dog Park in Carrum Downs and Casey Fields Dog Park in Cranbourne East.

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering more than 30 dog parks across Victoria, with many expected to be completed before the year’s end.

Casey Fields Dog Park is the first of 15 to open under the Victorian Government’s Suburban Parks Program, $5 million of which is dedicated to new spaces for canine friends.

Sandfield Reserve Dog Park is the eighth to open thanks to $2.5 million from the Building Works stimulus program which is funding 17 off-leash dog parks across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

The Government provided $275,000 to Casey City Council and $87,000 to Frankston City Council to design and construct the dog parks, which have agility equipment, seating and drinking fountains.

The $154 million Suburban Parks Program is creating or upgrading 6,500 hectares of public open space. The $2.7 billion Building Works program is funding hundreds of shovel-ready projects across the state, creating jobs and driving Victoria’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

For information visit environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Melbourne’s open spaces are at the heart of our city and bring enormous benefits to local communities.”

“We promised to build dog parks for families and their pets to enjoy – and that’s what we’re delivering.”

Quote attributable to Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny

“I’m delighted to be opening this new dog park which will provide all our local dog owners with a great new park to share with their furry friends.”

Quote attributable to Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards

“It’s great to see the Government delivering on our promises and bringing fabulous new dog parks to people in our local community.”