The designated off-leash sites and prohibited areas in the Macedon Ranges are formally listed in Council’s Dog and Cat Order 2019 under two schedules:

• Schedule 1: outlines the specific locations across the shire where dogs are permitted to be off-leash, provided they are under effective control.
• Schedule 2: lists the areas where dogs and/or cats are prohibited at all times, primarily to protect environmentally sensitive locations and native wildlife.

The Dog Off Leash and Prohibited Area Consultation 2024 Report includes a summary of the feedback received during stage one community consultation held in 2024, including Officer recommendations.

You can view the complete list of proposed changes to designated dog off-leash sites and prohibited areas in Council’s Dog and Cat Order 2019 Schedules 1 and 2.

The proposed changes are also outlined on the townships map pages in the 'Have your say' section below.

Aside from the recently announced State funding for Hurry Reserve in Kyneton, there are currently no identified spaces for dedicated fenced dog off-leash areas (eg. dog parks) within the shire.

Throughout previous community consultation processes, you told us you want improved provisions for dogs and their owners in public places, including dedicated spaces for dogs.

The draft plan includes a proposed action: “Strategic planning for dogs and people in open space”, targeted for commencement in 2027 - contingent on budget allocation.

If the draft plan—and this specific action—is adopted and funded, Council will develop a policy or plan to guide the provision of open space for both dogs and people across the shire.

In addition to seeking your feedback on the proposed changes to Council's Dog off leash areas and prohibited areas for dogs and cats, we’re also undertaking a separate consultation inviting feedback on Council’s Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) - 2026-2029.

To review and have your say on the planned activities outlined in Council's Draft DAMP - 2026-2029, visit Council's Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029' Consultation page.

All feedback received via the DAMP consultation page will be considered in finalising the draft DAMP 2026-2029.

This consultation is also open for feedback from now until 31 August 2025.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is committed to protecting your privacy.

The personal information you provide through this consultation is being collected for the primary purpose of attribution alongside your feedback for record-keeping or validation purposes.

Where required, the personal information being collected will be provided to Macedon Ranges Shire Council staff or contractors to help inform feedback and enable them to communicate with you in relation to the consultation where appropriate. If the personal information is not collected, we will not be able to contact you in relation to your feedback and may not be able to consider your feedback if localised feedback is required. Personal information is required to be de-identified in any public summary of feedback.

Your personal information will not be disclosed to any external party without your consent, unless required or authorised by law. If you wish to gain access to, or alter any personal information you have supplied through this consultation, please contact Macedon Ranges Shire Council via phone (03) 5422 0333 or email mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au. Information provided will be stored in accordance with Council’s Record Management Policy and destroyed in accordance with the Public Records Act 1973.

You can access our Privacy Policy on Council's website, and it is available for inspection at Council’s customer service centres.