During the Dog Control Bylaw consultation in 2025, we received feedback from Diamond Harbour residents that there is a need for a local, safe and accessible location to exercise dogs, specifically off-leash.

We would like to understand where people currently exercise their dogs and whether a dedicated dog exercise area, like the park in Little River (find out more below), would provide a good option.

Please note that our formalised paths will remain on-leash, and if a dog exercise area is proposed for Diamond Harbour, public consultation will be required once we have identified an appropriate location.

• James Drive Reserve
• Laurenson Park
  
• Kirk Park
• Stoddart Point Reserve

These areas are under effective control by default, meaning dogs can be exercised off leash (provided they are under good control.)

Important general rules:

The following applies to all areas:

• Dogs must be leashed on all sports fields during games and practice sessions

• Dogs are prohibited from playgrounds, within one metre of special surfaces, fenced areas or equipment

• Dogs must be leashed in all cemeteries and memorials (such as the Diamond Harbour Memorial Gardens Cemetery)

• Dogs must be leashed on paths and tracks in areas where dogs are allowed (such as in Stoddart Point Reserve)

• Dogs must be leashed on all roads and footpaths

Dog exercise areas are recommended areas to exercise your dog. Dogs can be off-leash, as long as they are under effective control. They are clearly signed so everyone knows dogs are permitted off leash.

This could be an open grassed and/or fenced area. An example is Little River Dog Exercise Area at Heritage Park. Behind the Little River village, there’s a fenced field, divided into two areas - one for big dogs and one for little ones.