Buninyong James Reserve off-leash dog park opens 

In September 2020 the James Reserve Buninyong Dog Park was identified as a ‘shovel ready’ project supported by the City of Ballarat and State Government Building Works Package funding.  

Michaela Settle Member for Buninyong joined City of Ballarat Mayor, Daniel Moloney and Cr Ben Taylor on Friday to open the James Reserve off-leash dog park. 

Ms Settle said the purpose-built dog park was a part of a $2.5 million investment in 17 new off-leash dog parks across Victoria, as part of the Victorian Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package to create jobs and support Victoria’s economic recovery.  

“This dog park is a place where memories are made, and friendships are forged. Ballarat Council has done a great job of designing and delivering this project for the Buninyong community,” she said.  

The project was initiated by the Buninyong Community and as part of the project the City of Ballarat consulted with local homeowners and residents, traditional owners of the land, the Wathawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Department of Land, Water and Planning (DEWLP) and Buninyong Landcare Group.  

Cr Taylor said this had been a perfect example of effective community, State Government, local stakeholders, and City of Ballarat collaboration. 

“I am thrilled that the Buninyong Dog Park in James Reserve is now open to provide a safe, fenced off‐leash environment for enthusiastic dog owners and their pets in this area,” he said. 

“I would like to thank the State Government for funding this project through the Building Works package, along with the City of Ballarat staff who consulted with the Buninyong community to project manage and deliver this great new community asset. 

“This park will enable social interaction not only between dogs but also their owners, provide a safe environment for people to exercise their pets and allow for community education on responsible pet ownership.”