The City of Wanneroo is pushing forward with a controversial plan to prohibit dogs from running off-lead in twenty of its prized nature reserves. This decision comes after more than eighteen months of review and community consultation, aiming to formalise new on-leash regulations to safeguard local fauna.
Protected Reserves and Community Pushback
Despite a petition with 1100 signatures calling for an exemption for Scenic Park, city officers are recommending the council proceed with the ban. The petition, however, revealed that only 173 of the signatories were actual residents of the City of Wanneroo. The list of reserves affected includes popular spots such as Scenic Drive Park, Lake Gnangara, Koondoola Open Space & Reserve, Donnelly Park, Rotary Park, and the Lake Joondalup foreshore.
Other green spaces set for the new rule include Lansdale Park in Darch, Hepburn Park in Lansdale, Chancellor Park in Marangaroo, and Badgerup Reserve in Wanneroo. The proposed changes would mean that 28 nature reserves in total would require dogs to be on a lead, as eight foreshore reserves already have this rule in place.
Balancing Wildlife and Wellbeing
City officers firmly believe the ban will greatly benefit local wildlife. They argue that off-lead dogs create a stressful environment for native animals, which can lead to attacks on birds, mammals, and reptiles. The officers stated that allowing these changes would assist in controlling the area's high biodiversity natural habitat.
This perspective was challenged by a group of local dog walkers who met with the city in May. They raised concerns about the loss of significant social and mental health benefits associated with exercising dogs off-lead. They particularly highlighted the value of Scenic Drive, describing its lakeside areas as wider, more open, and better connected than other available off-lead parks.
A Long Road to a Decision
The process began with a notice of motion from former south-west ward councillor Nat Herridge back in 2023. Expressing frustration at a recent agenda briefing, Ms Herridge criticised the lengthy delays, stating the process had turned into a circus. She urged councillors to make a final decision after almost two years of consideration.
If the council votes to implement the ban at the next ordinary council meeting on Tuesday, November 25, it is expected to cost approximately $20,000 for new signage, accompanied by a community education campaign. While city officers cited extensive social media support for even stricter rules, they confirmed they are not currently proposing to extend the on-leash requirement to all city nature reserves and parks.
