LANYON LOCALS FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE OF POINT HUT DOG EXERCISE AREA

Deborah Morris MLA

Member for Brindabella

Media Statement

21 May 2025

Lanyon’s local dog owners are fighting for the future of a beloved dog park which for decades has been enjoyed daily by locals exercising their dogs off lead.

The ACT Government plans to prohibit dogs off-lead from the Point Hut Dog Exercise Area when the new Lanyon Dog Park opens.

The Lanyon Dog Park, on the corner of Jim Pike Avenue and Woodcock Drive, is being constructed directly adjacent to the Point Hut Dog Exercise Area and is expected to open in late 2025, weather permitting.

Local dog owners have launched a petition calling on the ACT Government to keep the Point Hut Dog Exercise Area open as an off-leash dog area when the Lanyon Dog Park opens.

Local Member for Brindabella Deborah Morris MLA is proud to sponsor the community petition which has already attracted more than 500 signatures in little more than 24 hours.

“The Point Hut Dog Exercise Area is considered one of Canberra’s best kept secrets by local dog owners who enjoy this space everyday,” Mrs Morris said.

“It boasts a vast, open expanse for dogs of all sizes to get fresh air and exercise against a glorious backdrop of nature. So many local dog owners have built their community and found lifelong friends while exercising their dogs at this special location.

“They are absolutely devastated at the thought of the government closing this space and see no reason why the two dog parks can’t co-exist,” Mrs Morris said.

“Locals have personally invested their own time and money into maintaining the area, installing water tanks, park benches and even mowing the area.

“It’s absolutely crazy that the ACT Government would want to take away this beloved community asset,” Mrs Morris said.

The new dog park represents a 90 per cent reduction in the outdoor open space enjoyed by dogs and their owners.