A dedicated space for guide and assistance dogs

City of Ballarat residents with assistance dogs will now have access to a dedicated relief area in Ballarat’s CBD. 

City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Peter Eddy and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison MP officially opened the new assistance dog relief area on Thursday — one of very few across the state.  

Funded by the City of Ballarat and the State Government’s Living Local Regional Grants Program, the project was pioneered by the City of Ballarat Disability Advisory Committee.  

Not only does the relief area provide a safe space for guide and assistance dogs to relieve themselves, it is also designed to raise awareness of the unique needs of people with guide and assistance dogs.

The relief area comprises a shelter with seating, some fencing (though not fully enclosed), a path, and other nearby amenities such as a drinking fountain (donated by Central Highlands Water) and a rubbish bin.  

A temporary art installation designed by artist Sandra Minchin, with the support of community members, has also been installed at this location.  

Cr Eddy said it was important for people with guide and assistance dogs to access green spaces for their dogs to relieve themselves and to have dedicated and safe facilities.  

“We’ve heard from members of the Disability Advisory Committee with lived experience that harassment — strangers telling them that their assistance dog should not be relieving itself in public space — is a common occurrence,” he said.  

“A dedicated facility not only helps people with guide and assistance dogs to feel safe, but it is an opportunity for the community to become more aware of the need of others.

“I’m incredibly proud that the City of Ballarat is pioneering projects and programs, like the assistance dog relief area, that are making our community an even more inclusive place to live.”  

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the new Assistance Dog Relief Area would help foster inclusivity in Ballarat.  

“For our community to be inclusive and accessible for all, it is so important that we invest in the facilities needed not only for people but for guide and assistance dogs,” she said.  

“The new relief area will provide peace of mind for community members as well as visitors to our city.”  

To read more about the assistance dog relieving station, and how the Disability Advisory Committee was instrumental in advocating for this project, read the ourballarat article from the winter 2023 edition.  

Changes to assistance dog registration requirements

Assistance dogs are now exempt from local council registration fees following legislative changes.

While guide and hearing dogs have been exempted from registration fee requirements for some time, this exemption has not previously been extended to other types of assistance dogs.

To be eligible for a registration fee exemption, the assistance dog’s owner must apply to the City of Ballarat and demonstrate that their assistance dog meets the requirements. The application form will be available on the City of Ballarat website, along with more information about the application process, soon.  

For more information about the legislative changes, visit the Agriculture Victoria website or contact City of Ballarat Customer Service on 5320 5500.