Source: Government of Western Australia
Wanneroo Council has approved changes that will require dogs to be on leads at 18 of the City’s nature reserves and parks.
The change aims to better protect native wildlife while responding to community feedback about fragile natural areas.
The decision follows community consultation earlier this year, of the 493 City respondents, 56 per cent supported the proposal, 10 per cent neither agreed or disagreed and 34 per cent did not support the proposal.
Mayor Linda Aitken said the change aims to balance the needs of dog owners with the protection of City’s natural areas.
“These reserves are home to important plants and animals,” she said.
“We have listened to the community and taken a balanced approach that protects these natural areas while still supporting our community’s love of dogs with hundreds of other places where dogs can be off lead.”
Dogs will continue to be welcome in the 18 reserves but must be on a lead and under effective control at all times. The City is now preparing to install clear signage at these locations.
The change applies only to the selected 18 reserves and parks, which excludes Lake Joondalup Park and Scenic Park. There remain 562 other parks and reserves in the City where dogs can continue to exercise off lead, including designated parks in Eglinton, Wanneroo and Madeley.
These changes will come into effect from March 2026. A $200 on-the-spot fine may apply if a dog is not on a lead in the designated on-lead areas.
Reserves and parks where dogs must now be on lead:
Lake Gnangara Park, Gnangara
Badgerup Reserve, Wanneroo
Lake Adams, Mariginiup
Koondoola Open Space & Reserve, Koondoola
Chancellor Park & Marangaroo Golf Course, Marangaroo
Lake Joondalup Foreshore, Wanneroo
Pinjar Park, Neerabup
Landsdale Park, Darch
Hepburn Park, Landsdale
Donnelly Park, Wanneroo
Banyadah Park, Wanneroo
Rotary Park, Wanneroo
Studmaster Park, Wanneroo
Panzano Park, Woodvale
Rosso Park, Woodvale
Solana Park, Marangaroo
Quinns Foreshore Reserve, Quinns Rocks
Poinciana Park, Wanneroo
Kinsdale Park, Mindarie