South Hobart Oval dog access proposal goes to community consultation
Published on 24 February 2026
The City of Hobart will take a proposal to the community to make South Hobart Oval a dog‑restricted area at all times from 1 July 2026.
No final decision has been made, and community input will guide the next steps before the Hobart City Council considers the matter again in the near future.
To support local dog owners, the City confirmed it will invest $180,000 to construct a new fully fenced off‑lead dog park at Lower Wellesley Park to be opened before any changes at South Hobart Oval take effect.
The proposal notes that the Oval remains available for informal community use around 87% of the year, and that South Hobart has high levels of open space overall.
A refreshed South Hobart Park and Oval Master Plan will also be developed to improve connections and community amenity across the precinct.
The Council also considered several additional minor changes to dog management, including:
- Dogs to be restricted when sportsgrounds are booked.
- Dogs to be on‑lead within 50 metres of the Cenotaph, following a request from the RSL.
- John Doggett Park to remain on‑lead, with the skate bowl restricted at all times.
- Minor adjustments in Wellington Park to align with the Wellington Park Management Trust.
- Clarified wording for Knocklofty Reserve, confirming dogs are only permitted on formal tracks and trails.
- Retaining current off‑lead access from 6pm during daylight savings at Nutgrove Beach.
The City will now undertake further public consultation on the proposed changes to declared areas, including South Hobart Oval.
Further information, including the full draft policy, will be available on the City’s website.
Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:
“We know this has been one of the most difficult and divisive issues the community has faced, and we genuinely appreciate how strongly people feel.
“That’s why this is not a final decision—this next round of consultation is critical.”