Incompatible by Design? When a Dog Park Meets Guard Dogs

Yandina finally has its first fenced off-leash dog park — a milestone many locals have waited years for. Opened in October at Tea Tree Park on Coulson Road, it has already become a place where dog owners gather, pups play, and community connections grow.

But from the outset, one word has dominated the conversation: incompatible.

The concern isn’t the idea of a dog park — it’s the location. The fenced off-leash area sits directly beside a demolition and wrecking yard that uses guard dogs. For some residents, that proximity feels like a planning contradiction that was always going to raise eyebrows.

Why people are uneasy

Community members and the Yandina and District Community Association (YADCA) have highlighted several issues:

• Guard dogs are reportedly barking at park users, creating stress for both pets and people
• A relatively low fence separates the park from an industrial site
• Fears — verified or not — about what could happen if a guard dog were to escape

These concerns have been echoed loudly on local Facebook pages, with some residents calling the site a “disaster waiting to happen” and questioning why a family-friendly, recreational space was placed next to an active demolition yard.

The other side of the story

At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge that:
• The park was chosen through community consultation, with Tea Tree Park emerging as the preferred option from six possible sites
• Council reports no incidents involving neighbouring guard dogs
• Despite concerns, locals are still using the park, socialising and enjoying the space.

As YADCA president Marie Reeve noted, every proposed location had pros and cons. This one offered space, parking, and existing infrastructure — but also came with clear challenges.

So where to from here?

This doesn’t have to be a “park versus industry” debate. Practical mitigation could go a long way in bridging the incompatibility:
• Dense landscaping or vegetative screening to reduce visibility and noise
• Reviewing fence height and security along the western boundary
• Ongoing monitoring and transparent communication from council
Yandina’s new dog park is already valued by many. The question now isn’t whether it should exist — it’s how we ensure it feels safe, calm, and appropriate for everyone who uses it.

Community consultation got us here. Continued community input — and responsive action — is what will determine whether this space becomes a long-term success or an ongoing point of tension.

Sometimes, good ideas just need better buffers.