THE keenly awaited review of the Bass Coast Shire Council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) has just dropped on the shire’s website (see link below).
And at first glance, there doesn’t appear to be anything controversial.
There is, however, some good news for dog owners, especially those in the Inverloch area and on Phillip Island.
Among the key recommendations in the new DAMP is the establishment of a fenced dog park on the mainland of Bass Coast at Inverloch and the same on Phillip Island.
President of the Phillip Island Bass Coast Dog Owners Group Cheryl Owens has generally welcomed the report, on first glance, saying that she received assurances that dog owners would not lose any of their existing privileges relating to dogs-on-leash and dogs-off-leash beach areas.
“We had previously heard that they would be looking to establish fenced dog parks at Inverloch and on Phillip Island and it’s good to see this is a key objective of council,” said Mrs Owens.
“Obviously, the ‘Carnival Land’ would be the preferred site for a fenced dog park sometime in the future but because that’s likely to be years away, we have discussed other sites.
“We recently visited an undulating site at Wimbledon Heights which wouldn’t be suitable for soccer or other sports, but it would be ideal for dogs. But it’s yet to be confirmed where the fenced dog park will be on the Island.
“We would certainly welcome a dedicated dog park at Inverloch as there’s a significant need there.”
Mrs Owens said she would have more to say once she studied the report that was only released at 4pm on Friday, August 15.
There are a number of objectives outlined in the draft report which will go before the council on Wednesday, August 20 where the following motion is expected to be voted on, approving the draft for a period of public consultation:
- Approve the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029 for a period of community consultation from 20 August 2025 to 14 September 2025; and,
- Consider adoption of the final Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029 at a future Council Meeting before 31 October 2025.
Among the recommendations are those contained in Objective 7:
- Develop a strategic and consistent approach to leash free and dog prohibited areas
- Develop a Dogs in Public Places Guidelines (leash free and dog prohibited areas) that provides a consistent approach to assess the suitability and design of designated leash free and dog prohibited areas on Shire-Managed land
- Identify and deliver a fenced dog park on the mainland of Bass Coast Shire (Inverloch). Signage changes to reflect any changes made to regulations
- Identify and deliver a suitable location for a dog park on Phillip Island. Signage changes to reflect any changes made to regulations
- Undertake a signage review and audit of dog controls
- Continue to partner with the Dog Off Leash Working Group, including bi-annual meetings to discuss community matters that relate to the management of dogs in Bass Coast Shire.
There are numerous references to improving management of domestic animals via increased community education and an increased effort at compliance.
She a copy of the draft report HERE
Click on attachment 8.06 Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025-2029 draft with agenda for August 20, 2025 council meeting.