by Carla Caruso

The new wetlands in Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16) have proven a magnet for many. This includes one particular group: dog lovers.

However, some think it’s a bit ‘ruff’ that canines are allowed to roam free in the $13 million, 3.2ha wetlands. In fact, it’s been a bone of contention (pun intended). The wetlands – jointly funded by state and local governments – opened in May.

Commenters on our Facebook page have got a little hot under the ‘collar’, with messages including: “Please push for the wetlands area to be dogs on leash. [There are] plenty of other areas in Victoria Park for the dogs to run. Hopefully owners will understand and want to help all birdlife thrive.”

And: “A great initiative – my only criticism is that it is such a shame that there’s no small islands for a ducks to breed safely…” “This is even more reason why it should be a dogs on-leash area. Hopefully then, once the reeds grow and spread, the ducks and ducklings will have a safe place to go.”

We spoke to Peta Mantzarapis, a project director at Brown Hill and Keswick Creeks Stormwater Board, about the concerns raised.

Peta said: “We have been receiving a lot of amazing positive feedback about the wetland as people have the opportunity to visit.

“We have also been receiving feedback about dogs off-leash and the impact this is having on plants and wildlife.

“We have been monitoring closely and have recently installed some additional signage, encouraging visitors to please keep their dogs out of the water and off the planted areas [see sign below].

“While this is officially an off-leash area, we are still in the establishment phase and dogs are having an impact on the lawned areas and plants, both surrounding the wetland and the aquatic species within the water. 

“Once we move past the establishment phase and the plants have had a chance to grow to a more sustainable size, we don’t expect this to be an ongoing issue.

“We do, of course, hope that members of the public would be respectful of the wildlife and ensure their pets do not disrupt species that are making the wetland their home. We would like the site to be accessible by all and rely on pet owners doing the right thing.

“We will continue to monitor in the coming days and weeks and may need to work with [Adelaide City] Council to consider imposing restrictions if the impact is too great.”

Adelaide resident Olga Anikeeva took her mini dachshund, Mr Chuck, to the wetlands last month, making sure to keep him close. (Mr Chuck is a bit of a local celebrity, with 10,500 followers on Instagram.) The pair had a blast.

“We really enjoyed the variety of walking paths and bridges, as well as the open grassy areas for Mr Chuck to run around and play fetch,” Olga said.

“It was also really great to see so many other dogs there – Chuck enjoyed socialising with them.”

The wetlands - the largest earth-moving project within your Adelaide Park Lands for 60 years - were under construction for more than a year.