The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to create even more green spaces for Victorian families and their furry friends, this time in Pakenham with the opening of the Don Jackson Reserve Dog Park.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio today officially opened the new off-leash dog park on Ahern Road, which is the third to open under the Labor Government's Building Works stimulus program.
Thanks to an immediate $2.5 million funding boost, 17 off-leash dog parks will be created across the state through the program, which is designed to create construction jobs, continue Victoria's economic recovery and deliver projects that matter to Victorians.
It follows the opening of Redleap Reserve in Mill Park and East Street Dog Park in Kilmore last year.
The Don Jackson Reserve Dog Park, which received $275,000 funding and was designed and delivered by Cardinia Shire Council, is a purpose-built, fully fenced park and includes agility equipment, logs and rocks, bins, drinking fountains and seating.
This investment complements the Labor Government's $154 million Suburban Parks Program, which will create 6,500 hectares of public open space, including parkland and new trails, plus pocket parks and off-leash dog parks.
The next parks to open are scattered across the city's outer-suburbs - Carrum Downs, Dandenong North, Eynesbury, Belgrave, and Altona - as well as the regional centres of Ararat, Buninyong, Yarragon, Portland, Belmont, Shepparton, Mildura, Swan Hill and Warracknabeal.
The purpose-built dog parks were selected for funding through an expression of interest with local councils and assessed based on their shovel readiness to ensure construction could commence within six months.
For information about the off-leash dog parks being delivered through the Suburban Parks Program, and if there's one near you, visit environment.vic.gov.au/suburban-parks.
As stated by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio
"We promised to build dog parks for families and their pets to enjoy - and that's exactly what we're delivering."
"I congratulate Cardinia Shire on delivering a terrific, purpose built off-leash dog park and I look forward to seeing many more just like it opening over the coming months."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"The past year has taught all of us the value of green and open spaces and how much they contribute to our wellbeing - this is a wonderful project that will make many people happy."
"Projects like these in Pakenham are creating local jobs, making life better for families and building on our reputation as one of the world's most liveable cities."
