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A recent management initiative along Kedron
Brook has been the designation of dog off-leash areas on the floodway.
There is an extensive one on the north bank along channelised sections
of Kedron Brook in the Gordon Park to Kalinga section of the Brook.
The dog-off leash area is long enough for a
decent run for the dogs, and has become very popular. Some people
travel from several suburbs away to exercise their pets.
A few years ago, the barren floodway was
never used. Now it is a local social focal point, a source of pleasure
to many and ensures local dogs have an excellent exercise opportunity.
The off-leash area has its downside
Early morning walkers calling or training
their dogs disturb nearby residents trying to sleep.
The impact of dogs on the natural
environment is a concern to some. To date there have been no systematic
investigation of the impact of dogs on the local environment.
Environmental issues
One of the obvious impacts of dogs on this
section of Kedron Brook is the formation of ‘runs’ where dogs enter the
stream via steep banks.
There are signs posted along the off-leash
area, forbidding dogs from swimming in the stream. Unfortunately, dogs
don’t read and it takes a fit and agile owner of a water-loving pooch
to prevent an unleashed dog jumping into the water.
A consequence of dogs accessing the stream
is the disturbance to local waterbirds (ducks, coots and Cisticolas).
These well-adapted birds do take things in their stride and just move
away from the dogs. Problems are most likely to occur if the birds rely
on nesting in this area. Nesting will be less successful if birds are
repeatedly disturbed.
The effect of numerous dogs swimming in the
Brook could lead to pollution of the water due to a build-up of
chemicals and soaps used on dogs’ coats.
Additional nutrients may be introduced into
the stream when faeces and urine deposited along the floodway, are
washed by rain into the stream.
Using the dog off-leash areas responsibly
The dog off-leash area is an excellent
community resource and a relatively new innovation. It is the interest
to both dog owners and those with environmental concerns, to work
together to protect the local area.
Follow the rules for use of the off-leash
areas. If your dog is fairly certain to jump into the water when
unleashed, make sure it is somewhere where the bank will not be
damaged. (Don’t encourage swimming).
Dog owners and those with environmental
concerns are welcome to join the local Bushcare Group to help improve
the environment in this area. The Lutwyche Reach Bushcare Group will be
undertaking work on the stream bank associated with the off-leash area
between the Thistle Street Bridge and the Gilbert Road Bridge.
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