The Town of Bassendean is considering time-based dog curfews at six popular parks after a council vote to investigate off-lead access restrictions. The proposal aims to balance recreation with community safety, following a review that included 121 community submissions.
Council Decision and Scope of Review
At its June meeting, the council voted to maintain the existing mix of on-lead, off-lead, and dog-prohibited reserves across most of the town. However, it agreed to further investigate time-based off-lead access at six parks where community demand for more exercise space was strongest: Ashfield Reserve, Bassendean Oval, Hamilton Street Reserve, Iveson Place Reserve, Jubilee Reserve, and Third Avenue Reserve.
The review will explore whether dogs can be permitted off-lead during set times—for example, when sporting activities or other community events are not taking place. According to an officer's report, there was a "desire for fewer but larger, safer and more practical off-lead areas" rather than converting more reserves into permanent off-lead zones.
Community Feedback and Divided Opinions
The community consultation, which received 121 submissions, found residents were somewhat divided over the current rules but did support maintaining the balance. The officer's report noted that "multiple submissions supported off-lead use when sport is not occurring," particularly for Bassendean Oval, whose size and existing fencing make it a good location to investigate alternatives. Making the entire reserve permanently off-lead was not supported.
Similarly, for Jubilee Reserve, the report stated there was "clearly demand for greater off-lead access throughout the district" but also "strong concerns from sporting users and owners of reactive dogs who value having a large on-lead reserve." Officers recommended investigating time-based off-lead use, a designated portion of the reserve, or a combination of both.
Additional Parks and Infrastructure Improvements
Iveson Place Reserve, Hamilton Street Reserve, and Third Avenue Reserve will also be investigated after community support for expanding off-lead opportunities. Meanwhile, Point Reserve will remain out of bounds for dogs to protect foreshore vegetation and wildlife habitat.
The town will also look at fencing and other infrastructure to better separate playgrounds from dog exercise areas. Compliance was a major concern during consultation, with some respondents citing irresponsible dog ownership as owners allowing dogs off-lead in on-lead areas.
Funding and Education Initiatives
To address compliance, the town has proposed allocating $10,000 for education initiatives and better signage. Additionally, a 'dogs in waiting' station has been provided as part of moving its customer service centre into the Bassendean library.
