Benalla locals and their furry friends at the official opening of the Saleyards Rd Dog Park.
Benalla Rural City Council officially opened the highly anticipated Saleyards Rd Dog Park, welcoming community members and their pets to the new dedicated facility.
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About 30 people attended the opening event on Friday, March 13, bringing their dogs to explore the new community facility.
To mark the occasion, the council compliance team hosted a community barbecue and stall, providing treats and giveaways for the pets in attendance.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn officially opened the park, speaking of its value to the region and the community feedback that drove the initiative.
"This project reflects what we have consistently heard from residents, the need for another safe, well-designed open space where people and pets can socialise, exercise and enjoy the outdoors together," she said.
The new park includes two fully fenced areas with large, all-abilities airlock entries.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn at the opening of the Saleyards Rd Dog Park.
It features a separate section specifically designed for quiet or nervous dogs, which was a key request from residents during the consultation phase.
The space also offers sensory enrichment elements such as landscaped areas with sand, tunnels, tree logs, and rockeries for exploring, along with level, compacted crushed rock paths and seating for owners to relax.
During her speech, Cr Hearn also acknowledged the crucial backing the project received from the Victorian Government.
"This project has been supported through the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program, and we thank the Victorian Government for partnering with Benalla Rural City Council to help deliver this much-needed facility for our community," she said.
The Saleyards Rd Dog Park is now open to the public, providing a secure and engaging environment for dogs of all sizes and temperaments.
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