Hobart City Council will ask the community whether dogs should be permanently banned from South Hobart Oval, ending a 20-year arrangement that has become increasingly controversial.
The council has not made a final decision but will begin public consultation on restricting dog access from July.
“We know this has been one of the most difficult and divisive issues the community has faced, and we genuinely appreciate how strongly people feel,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
“That’s why this is not a final decision—this next round of consultation is critical.”
The proposed change would bring South Hobart Oval in line with most other sports grounds across the state.
Dogs have been officially permitted to exercise on the pitch for two decades due to limited public open space in the area.
To soften the impact on local dog owners, the council confirmed it will spend $180,000 on a new fully-fenced off-lead dog park at Lower Wellesley Park.
Council says this facility must open before any restrictions take effect at the oval.
The proposal notes the oval remains available for community use about 87% of the year, and South Hobart already has high levels of open space.
Council is also set to develop a refreshed master plan for South Hobart Park and Oval to improve connections and community amenities across the area.
Several other minor dog management changes are under consideration.
These include restricting dogs when sports grounds are booked and requiring leads within 50 metres of the Cenotaph following a request from the RSL.
Dogs would remain banned from John Doggett Park’s skate bowl and be restricted to formal tracks in Knocklofty Reserve.
Current off-lead access at Nutgrove Beach from 6pm during daylight saving would continue.
The consultation process will begin soon, with full details and the draft policy to be published on the council’s website.
