By Molly Magennis
PA Burns Reserve Dog Park is now officially opened for all Hobsons Bay residents, and their furry friends, to enjoy.
The project was a collaboration between Hobsons Bay council and the state government, with the government contributing $275,000 towards the $4.1 million total cost.
The redevelopment was the result of a 2016-17 council survey, which indicated the Reserve and the Altona Dog Beach were very popular amongst the 400 respondents.
Council developed a PA Burns masterplan as a result, which incorporated feedback from local residents.
The redevelopment works included separating the shared trail and primary dog beach access path to reduce conflict between cyclists, pedestrians and dog walkers and establishing dog wash stations close to the car park.
Approximately 20,000 native plant species and over 300 trees were also planted as a part of the upgrade to help provide a habitat for local fauna within fenced conservation planting areas.
Hobsons Bay Mayor Peter Hemphill said the PA Burns masterplan was a big success.
“The multimillion-dollar project to redevelop PA Burns features a fully fenced dog off-lead area with double gated entries, walking paths, seats and new plantings including 27,000 native plants and about 380 trees,” he said.
“There’s easy access to the beach, a new car park and lots of space for dogs to exercise. On a hot summer day, we often see over 200 people enjoying the dog park and the beach.”
For more information on the PA Burns masterplan visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/PABurnsReserve.
