Council to Unleash New Dog Park at Central Reserve

Published on 15 April 2025

Colac dogs and their owners will have a safe place to play off-leash, with a new Colac dog park in the works.

Colac Otway Shire Council has fetched a $225,000 grant from the State Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program.

The funding will support the establishment of a fenced dog park at Central Reserve.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos recently announced the successful grant. Council will also contribute $125,000 to the project.

Colac’s Dog Obedience Club and other dog owners currently have access to areas of Central Reserve, including the former hockey field, but sporting clubs also use these areas for training and matches.

The new dedicated dog park will develop unused land in the south-east corner of Central Reserve.

Council will work with the community on finalising the design of the dog park, which will have extra landscaping under the existing trees to provide shade and cooling.

Mayor Cr Jason Schram welcomed the funding.

“The community have expressed their desire for a safe, secure place for dogs to exercise, and for dog owners to get together,” Cr Schram said.

“We’ve listened and have been fortunate to secure a grant from the Victorian Government, matched by Council, to undertake the project.” he said.

“We will convert an underused area into an attractive modern dog park that’s a great setting for dogs and people to socialise and exercise.

“Central Reserve is an ideal place for a fenced off-leash area for our furry friends being a central location with existing infrastructure such as car parking and amenities.

“It will also help keep other parts of Central Reserve available for sporting uses.”

The dog park is a recommendation of Council’s Colac City Reserves Planning Project, approved in 2023.

There are more than 2,000 pet dogs registered in the Colac and Elliminyt area, but limited options for off-leash activities and no designated dog park.