Wednesday, 15 October 2025

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (18:34): (1997) My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Environment Mr Dimopoulos in the other place, and the action I seek is for the minister to tell me the benefits of the dog parks program in the North-Eastern Metropolitan Region. Parks like Warrandyte reserve, Burgundy Reserve and Aranga reserve dog park are all great examples of what this program can deliver. Like many in this place, I love dogs, and I know that Bracks the Wannon Frog Dog is always a treat for us when he wanders through the corridors of Parliament, and we get to give him many pats as well, which he loves. We all know that there is a place dogs love even more than Parliament, and that of course is the dog park. That is why it is so important that we have safe spaces for our beloved pets to play, to exercise and to socialise.

These parks are not just for dogs, they are for families as well, for neighbours and building community connections. With more than 31 dog parks completed so far across Victoria, more locals now have access to these great open spaces close to home, and that means less time travelling and more time enjoying the outdoors with our furry friends. That is why the Allan Labor government’s new and upgraded dog parks program matters.

Our infrastructure should reflect the needs of all members of the family, including the furry and four-legged ones, and these parks provide secure areas for doggos to run free. They reduce conflict in shared spaces, and they encourage responsible pet ownership. I and many in the North-Eastern Metropolitan Region would appreciate the minister talking about the benefits of these wonderful dog parks, because when we invest in spaces like this, we invest in community wellbeing and inclusion, and that is something I am proud to support.