Epping dog owners are calling for the delivery of an off-leash dog park, after it was originally promised five years ago.
The master concept plan for West Epping Park included a dog park near the Grant Close entrance, however this was not realised in the final plan.
As it stands, there are no off-leash dog parks located within the Epping Ward.
Due to the significant increase in high-rise apartment living in Epping, demand for easily accessible, dog-friendly parks is growing.
A petition calling for the delivery of the park has garnered over 700 signatures from residents.
City of Parramatta Epping Ward Councillor, Donna Davis said dog parks provide a safe environment for residents to take their dogs for recreation.
“Support for the construction of a dog park in the Epping Ward is not limited to those who live in apartments,” she said.
“Dog off-leash parks can sometimes be contentious but that’s why it’s important that we ensure all the work goes into investigating this matter so that all members of the community get an opportunity to have their say.”
Ms Davis put forward a Notice of Motion recently calling for Council to look into the feasibility of an off-leash, dog-friendly area at West Epping Park.
But not all Epping Councillors were on board; Councillor Lorraine Wearne said green space was already limited in Epping and should be enjoyed by all, not just dog owners.
“We are always told in Epping that there is not enough open space,” she said.
“It’s okay to have dogs and if people in home units want to have dogs I think that is their own problem, no one else’s, and it should necessarily have to be a matter for the community to provide somewhere for their dogs to run.
“I have a problem with dog parks in an area where I can’t provide kids with somewhere to kick a ball or play.”
The Notice of Motion was endorsed, with a report to be brought back to Council. Consideration of a dog park will require broad community consultation using a range of consultative methods.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.