Despite being a popular place for dog owners to let their furry friends run free for decades, off-leash dogs are technically not allowed in Callan Park. Now, the NSW Government is set to legally permit off-leash dogs in most of the park.
The draft Companion Animal Management Plan (CAMP), unveiled today, outlines proposed on- and off-leash areas for dogs in Callan Park to ensure the "jewel of the inner west" can be shared "safely and respectfully by all".
"We are committed to creating parks for people, and this includes those with furry friends. This plan ensures they are very welcome at Callan Park," said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes.
"The plan gives us a clear plan on how to manage Callan Park and help deliver on our promise to provide a revitalised, restored and accessible Callan Park for everyone to enjoy."
Under the plan, off-leash walking would be officially allowed in the Wharf Road Gardens, BonnyView Cottage Gardens, the Central Green, Callan Point Beach and the Balmain Road Green.
The new Waterfront Green area, Callan Point, the space around the Convalescent Cottages, the Writing NSW Gardens and the Kirkbride Gardens would remain on-leash-only areas.
According to Inner West Council data, more than 42 per cent of households own a dog and there are more than 35,000 dogs in the area. With little enforcement of the off-leash dog ban, Callan Park and its waterfront have always been a popular spot for dog walkers.
The CAMP, created in consultation with local dog owners and other park users, aims to give "certainty and clarity for dog owners about where their dogs must be on-leash" within the 38 hectares of the park managed by Greater Sydney Parklands.
Off-leash dogs would not be allowed in areas which are considered environmentally or heritage sensitive to protect the park's biodiversity and key historic sites, and would also be forbidden in areas with high pedestrian activity to keep other park users safe.
To protect nocturnal native wildlife around the parklands dogs would also need to be on a lead between 10pm and 5am.
Off-leash dog walking would continue to be allowed on the council-managed sporting fields in the parklands when they are not being used for sports. An additional fenced off-leash area is also being considered for Balmain Green.
Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive Suellen Fitzgerald said the draft Plan "strikes the right balance" between the needs of dog owners and those of the broader community.
"We have listened to the community and responded with a plan that gives dog owners the clarity they need around where they can exercise their dogs while ensuring the space can be safely shared by everyone," Ms Fitzgerald said.
Ms Fitzgerald encourages all park users to look at the plan and provide their feedback "to ensure all can enjoy Callan Park, whether you are a dog owner or not".
"We have more than doubled the usual consultation period to ensure everyone who wants to have their say has plenty of time to do so," she said.
The draft Companion Animals Management Plan and instructions on how to make a submission can be found on the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website. Submissions can be until February 9.
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