The design for the Taylors Lakes dog park has been revised following the feedback received from the community in 2024. We heard feedback that the community did not want to see any changes to the dog park, in particular the introduction of additional fencing.

Council will be installing a new shared pathway from Robertson Road to Melton Highway. The ­first two stages of this pathway are currently under construction. There will be a 2.5m wide shared pathway from Kings Road to Sandpiper Drive. The existing fencing, gates and other features will remain in place. The location of the pathway has been determined based on native vegetation in the area which needs to protected and retained, to comply with legislation. The location allows adequate room for vegetation either side of the pathway to be maintained safely.

All sections of the easement from Robertson Road and Melton Highway will remain as dog off leash areas. This is a shared open space, so dog owners must keep their dogs under control at all times. This is a requirement of all dog owners, (at all times), regardless of whether the space is designated as “dog off‑ lead” or not. For further information please refer to the responsible dog owners guide on our website.

Project update - 11 September 2023

This site is within 200m of a registered Aboriginal Artefact. We need a Cultural Heritage Management Plan before works start. This is process is underway and can take up to 12 months to complete.

We expect construction of the pathway will begin late 2024.

Project update - 12 October 2023

We are working on a Cultural Heritage Management Plan to assess the potential impact of construction works on Aboriginal cultural heritage. It includes steps to take before, during and after works to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Once the Wurundjeri Council approve our plan we can go to tender for the project. We expect this in the next 6-12 months. This means works won't start until 2024/2025 instead of 2023/2024 as planned.

We will build the path in 2 stages.

Stage 1: a section between Robertsons Rd and Kings Rd. And a section between Sandpiper Drive and Melton Hwy

Stage 2: linking these sections in the following financial year. And changes to the size and amenity of the enclosed off-leash dog park. Changes to the dog park includes community feedback and best practice standards.

We will keep you updated on the progress of this project when new information arises.

Project update - 1 November 2024

We are taking on board the feedback from the community about the proposed changes to the fenced dog off leash area. We are hearing how much the community like the current size of the dog park and will be making changes to the project proposal to ensure the area stays the same size whilst still providing all weather access.

Revised plans will be prepared, this may take some time as the changes to the design have to be reviewed and approved by various state government departments to ensure Council meets its obligations in relation to protection of Cultural Heritage and Native Vegetation. Project signs are being removed from site until such time we have an project update to share.

Stage 1 update - 10 December 2024

The planning permit for the stage 1 section of the shared user path has been obtained. Therefore tendering and construction can commence in 2025.

We are proposing to construct a Shared User Path in the Taylors Lake Easement to provide a cycling and walking connection between Robertsons Road and Melton Highway.

As part of this project, we will reduce the size of the fenced component of the existing dog park and add additional features such as seating and more secure fencing.

The project will be completed in two stages:

• Stage one: two sections; a section of pathway between Robertsons Road and Kings Road and another section between Sandpiper Drive and Melton Highway.
• Stage two: linking these two sections in future years.

Within the easement there are several patches of remnant grassland. As part of our commitment to Reconciliation, engagement with Traditional Owners is underway to look at opportunities for enhancing Caring for Country within the grassland areas.

We will also investigate the opportunities available to increase habitat for the Tussock Skink which is a protected species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

We would like you to review the draft concept plan for the project and provide your feedback.