The Andrews Labor Government is delivering 31 new off-leash dog parks across Melbourne and regional Victoria, creating more space for our four-legged friends to run and play.

Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio officially opened Thomas Oval dog park in South Yarra today – the latest park to be completed as part of the $315 million Suburban Parks Program.

Thomas Oval dog park now has a dedicated, fully fenced off-leash section with a quiet area, sandpit and shelter. The versatile new space is the perfect environment for dogs and their owners to exercise and socialise.

So far, 28 of the 31 dog parks have been completed across Victoria, in suburbs stretching from Altona to Pakenham and as far as Mildura and Portland. The final three dog parksunder construction in Eltham North and Reservoir West – will open later this year, and one in Werribee to open in 2023.

These parks are creating local jobs during construction and deliver more options for Victorians to spend quality time outdoors with their pets.

The purpose-built parks include designated ball play areas, fencing, agility equipment, nature play elements, seating and drinking fountains.

These dog parks are delivered in partnership with local council, who received up to $275,000 from the Labor Government to ensure the new facilities are purpose-built to meet each community’s needs.

The Suburban Parks Program invested $5 million towards 14 off-leash dog parks across metropolitan Melbourne with an additional 17 off-leash dog parks funded by the $2.5 million Building Works Stimulus program.

Work is also underway to upgrade 41 parks and 29 pocket parks across Melbourne as part of the Suburban Parks Program – creating up to 6,500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails, bike trails, pocket parks and dog parks – the equivalent of more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens.

For further information about the dog parks under construction, visit: environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio

“We promised to deliver new, quality open spaces for all Victorians – dogs included – and we are delivering.”

“We’re supporting councils to deliver quality projects for locals – this dog park is an important community asset, providing an opportunity for both owners and dogs to socialise outdoors.”