From the week commencing Monday 21 April, pedestrian gates at both Mahoney’s Reserve North (Bob Saker Oval) and Morton Park West will be locked open, unless in use for organised sporting events, training sessions, or Council maintenance works.

The decision to lock open the gates has been made to:

• preserve the condition of the ovals that are shared use
• promote responsible dog ownership behaviour
• reduce incidents that are broadly occurring due to a minority of dog owners

For many years, Whitehorse City Council has balanced the needs of the wider community (including dog owners) and sporting participants, investing significant resources to provide a safe sports field surface for all.  

Recently there has been a significant increase in reported incidents at these facilities including conflict between sporting participants (involving children) and dog owners, as well as damage to sports field surfaces, requiring increased maintenance and repair works.  

Whitehorse City Council acknowledges the community of dog owners who are responsible and manage their dog’s behaviour in these shared spaces.  

Dogs are still permitted to exercise off-lead at this reserve when the oval is not in use for organised sporting events, training sessions, or Council maintenance works.

As per the local law, dogs exercising off lead in this area should always be under effective voice control and owner’s must be able to recall their dog immediately if needed. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is always within 25 metres of them and to pick up after their dog.  

Council is committed to evaluating this decision over coming months and may consider changes depending on how effective these strategies are in managing dog activity at these sites.  

Council appreciates the community’s commitment to ensuring these spaces are safe and well-maintained for all users. 

Back to news