Concerns have been raised about a town’s first dog park after it was built next to a demolition yard that has guard dogs.
The Yandina and District Community Association said some people were perturbed by the proximity of the new fenced off-leash area to the neighbouring wrecking site at Coulson Road.
Locals have also expressed unease on a community Facebook page.
YADCA president Marie Reeve said the positioning was problematic.
“I am aware of the incompatibility of the new Yandina dog park beside the guard dogs in the Valdora Earthmoving and Demolition yard,” she said.
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“I have been told that the guard dogs bark at visitors to the park.
“There is (also) concern about the relatively low fence around the park and any repercussions if the guard dogs got out.”
But she said the issues have “not stopped people using the park and socialising with fellow dog lovers”.
And she said locals had selected the placement of the dog park, which was opened in October. It’s believed to be the first dog park in the town, which was established in the mid-1800s.
“Sunshine Coast Council gave residents a choice of six locations and Tea Tree Park 1 was the preferred option on the Have Your Say survey,” she said.
“Each site had its pros and cons.”
The six options included Tea Tree Park 1 at Coulson Road, Tea Tree Park 2 at Pioneer Road, Wonga Park at Farrell Street, Stevens Street Reserve, Christina Low Park (unfenced) and Koongalba Street Reserve (unfenced).
Locals expressed their concerns on the Yandina Community Board Original Facebook page late last year, amid an unverified claim that one of the dogs at the salvage yard had temporarily got out.
“Stupid place for an off-leash park,” Shannette Solomon said.
“Silly spot for a dog park. Over near the BMX track would have suited better. Away from everyone. More parking,” Justin Schmidt said.
“Disaster waiting to happen,” Scott Casey said.
“It is going to cause huge issues … it doesn’t look like it will end well,” Dawn Mandemaker said.
Ms Reeve said some measures could be taken to improve the situation.
“Perhaps a dense planting along the western boundary with the demolition yard may help reduce the disturbance? It would reduce visibility,” she said.
Sunshine Coast News asked the council why the dog park was constructed there and whether any actions would be taken to allay concerns.
A spokesperson said community members had helped choose the location for the dog park.
“Council selected the location for the Yandina dog exercise area following community engagement in May 2023 and a detailed site assessment,” they said.
“Tea Tree Park emerged as the preferred option, offering a larger exercise space, minimal impact on existing open space, convenient access to parking and existing infrastructure.
“There have been no reports of incidents relating to containment of dogs at neighbouring properties.”
SCN has reached out to the demolition yard for comment.
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
