FOR three long years, dog lovers in Camira have been barking up the same tree – literally.
Locals say they’re fed up with empty promises from Ipswich City Council, having pleaded for as little as shade and seating at their small dog park, tucked between Allamanda Drive and Moss St.
“We’ve been trying for three years to get Council to listen,” said long-time resident Brian Shaw. “It’s not just about comfort – it’s about safety. The people who use this park are mostly elderly, and we’ve been left sitting under dangerous trees just to get out of the sun.”
The small dog section was fenced off after a mauling incident in what was once a shared area.
While larger dogs kept their shelter, the smaller dogs got nothing.
“We were told the small dog area was only temporary,” Mr Shaw said. “But that was nearly four years ago – and in Council speak, that seems to mean forever.”
Petitions have been sent, meetings held, and promises made – but still, no progress. Residents say Division 2 councillors, Paul Tully and Nicole Jonic, have gone quiet on the issue.
“Two years ago, Council executives told us the request was before Council for consideration,” Mr Shaw said.
“That was the last time we heard anything positive. Since then – silence. Just a lot of talk and no action.”
Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Antoniolli defended Council’s position.
“Council will undertake planning and community engagement to understand what Camira residents are looking for from the dog park before any steps are taken to make it a permanent fixture of the park,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“Once community engagement has taken place and Council has considered the outcome, a decision will be made about making the dog park permanent and adding shade and seats.
“Community engagement will seek to understand not only the use of the dog park, but Camira Recreation Park as a whole, giving Council a broader picture about how the park is used.”
Residents also questioned whether any safety checks were conducted when the park was built, pointing out the risk of falling branches and cricket balls.
“If a proper risk assessment had been done, we wouldn’t be in this position,” Mr Shaw said. “The park was never built for purpose, and now we’re the ones left to cop it.”
To rub salt in the wound, Camira residents note nearby parks in Goodna and the larger dog enclosure just metres away boast shade, seating, and modern facilities – while their park remains bare.
“They’d spend more on catering at a Council budget meeting than it would cost to build a simple shelter here,” Mr Shaw said. “When you see what’s been done in Goodna, you realise how little attention Camira’s been given.
“We’re not asking for much – just a bit of shade, a few seats, and a sign that Council actually cares about its older residents and their dogs.”
