The popular off-leash dog exercise area at Point Hut will be retained, says City Services Minister Tara Cheyne, “regretful for the unclear communication” that created community concern.

In May nearly 1200 residents petitioned the ACT Assembly for the retention of the Point Hut Dog Exercise Area open to the public as an approved off-leash facility. It is located in Gordon, in Canberra’s south.

The minister said the Conservator of Flora and Fauna had accepted advice from the ACT Parks and Conservation Service regarding the areas that can remain off-leash, together with the clear confirmation of the areas that require dogs to be on-leash and the areas in which dogs were prohibited.

“This decision provides clarity and certainty for the community while protecting the natural values of the area,” Minister Cheyne said.

“Point Hut is a much-loved location for dog exercise, and I regret the unclear communication which created uncertainty and concern. I’m pleased that, in consultation with the community, we’ve been able to confirm that the core off-leash areas will remain accessible and protected for community use.”

The agreed changes include:

• Retention of the current off-leash area, including space close to the river corridor
• Conversion of a small section along Jim Pike Avenue and the BNT near Woodcock Drive to on-leash, to manage equestrian access and safety
• Maintaining existing dog-prohibited zones, where sensitive ecological values such as Box-Gum Grassy Woodland and endangered species including the Pink-tailed Worm-Lizard and platypus have been recorded

“Importantly, this outcome was shaped in partnership with the community. I want to thank local residents, trail users and conservation groups who worked together constructively to reach a shared position that respects both people and the environment,” Minister Cheyne said.