A controversial fence at Tate Reserve in Coburg, designed to exclude dogs from a popular park along the Merri Creek, has been dismantled following strong community opposition during a six-month trial. Merri-Bek Council reports success with the wider dog walking pilot but now engages external experts to facilitate conflict resolution workshops.
The Fence Trial and Its Removal
Merri-Bek Council installed a two-metre fence in August around part of the 32,400-square-metre Tate Reserve to encourage native swamp wallabies to return and address rising dog-related issues. The forested area features wattle and eucalyptus trees along the creek bank and serves dog walkers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Locals worried the barrier would funnel users onto a narrow edge path, heightening safety risks amid reports of harassment and violence, particularly for women. The fence faced repeated vandalism, prompting its ultimate removal.
Community Divide Emerges
Regular visitor Maureen Schott, who walks her dog Bruce at Tate Reserve, promotes responsible dog ownership and has engaged constructively with council efforts. She opposed the fence, noting widespread anger but condemning vandalism, including dog waste left in a resident’s letterbox, which she attributes to isolated individuals.
“Prohibition doesn’t work,” Schott stated. “It doesn’t work with alcohol, it doesn’t work with dogs and it doesn’t work with sex.”
Schott welcomes the conflict resolution process as a positive step and hopes no replacement fence appears.
Environmental Perspective
Nick Williams, president of Friends of Merri Creek and professor of horticulture and urban ecology at the University of Melbourne, blames a vocal minority for undermining the trial through defiance and graffiti. He highlights two confirmed swamp wallaby sightings despite the fence’s removal.
“Tate Reserve is a large space, and there are off-leash areas immediately downstream and on the other side of the creek,” Williams said. “Asking dog owners to share the space is not a big ask.”
His group supports the upcoming workshops, believing most residents back environmental protection.
Broad Dog Management Context
Officials note conflicts at other trial sites between dogs, cyclists, and sports groups, yet overall community support for clearer dog strategies. Merri-Bek records higher dog ownership than neighbors: 13,332 registered dogs versus 9,235 in Darebin, 9,794 in Moonee Valley, 6,531 in Yarra, and 4,473 in Melbourne. The council maintains 57 off-leash areas, exceeding peers.
Common concerns include education on owner responsibilities and poor dog behavior, though Tate Reserve sparked intense debate.
Next Steps: Resolution Workshops
Council officers plan independently facilitated workshops with stakeholders to reconcile differences at Tate Reserve. Post-workshops, decisions will address whether to reinstall or modify the fence, building on the pilot’s successes elsewhere.
