Making sure everyone can enjoy Banyul-Warri Fields safely
Published on 04 June 2025
Planned removal of pedestrian gates
To ensure Banyul-Warri Fields in north Torquay is a safe space for all, we’re planning to remove pedestrian gates on Grenville and Polwarth Ovals and the three soccer pitches on 16 June 2025.
Supervised dogs still welcome
The planned removal of the gates does not affect the current rules for using the sportsgrounds. We still welcome dogs to be exercised off-leash outside of organised sport/training times, provided they’re under effective control.
After listening to feedback, we plan to, however, reinstate the gate on the south-eastern end of Grenville Oval, closest to Merrijig Drive (Council did not initially remove this gate).
We need to provide a safe playing environment
The ovals and pitches at Banyul Warri-Fields are sports grounds first and foremost, and we have a legal responsibility to provide a safe playing environment on these grounds.
We’ve received multiple reports of those taking part in organised sports suffering injuries due to tripping in holes dug by dogs, and persistent complaints about the condition of the surface.
The sports clubs are supportive of proactive measures, including removal of pedestrian gates, to address the issues they’re experiencing.
We welcome dogs to be exercised here, and while we understand most are making sure their pets are under effective control, there are people who are not properly supervising their dogs. We have to address this situation to meet our responsibility of providing safe playing surfaces.
The planned removal of gates promotes responsible dog ownership by making it necessary for dogs to be kept under effective control while off leash. It also brings Banyul-Warri Fields into line with every other sporting reserve in Torquay and Jan Juc, as none are fully enclosed with pedestrian gates.
Do you have questions/concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us online or call us on 5261 0600.
FAQs
What does this change mean for dog owners?
The removal of the gates does not affect the current rules for using the sportsgrounds. We still welcome dogs to be exercised off-leash outside of organised sport/training times, or when preparations are underway. During these times, dogs must be on a leash, as is currently the case.
What damage has been happening to the sportsgrounds at Banyul Warri Fields?
Dogs digging holes is damaging the playing surface, which is impacting the primary purpose of these spaces, and increasing the risk of players injuring themselves.
Over the past 12 months, we’ve been contacted 48 times by clubs and associations reporting concerns about the unsafe condition of the grounds. Multiple sports injuries have been reported with participants stepping into holes dug by dogs.
No other ovals in Torquay and Jan Juc are fully enclosed like Banyul-Warri Fields, and these do not experience the same damage to their surfaces.
Council’s maintenance teams and club users are frequently repairing and filling the holes. This involves transporting and transplanting turf from another location to replace damaged turf and fill holes created. This is becoming a more frequent and costly task.
Will Torquay get an enclosed dog park?
There are longer-term plans for a dedicated dog park in Torquay, and we’re exploring options for this.
The need for a dedicated dog park was identified in our Domestic Management Plan, and a review of social infrastructure and open spaces (State of Play) recommends a dedicated dog park be established in north Torquay by 2029.
We’ve carried out initial assessments based on a range of criteria including suitable location, catchment, size and space available, access and walkability, pre-existing uses, supporting infrastructure and environmental considerations.
Further site assessments and community engagement is needed to identify a suitable site within Torquay.
Where else can I exercise my dog off lead?
Within these areas, dogs are allowed off leash and under effective control at all times:
- Grass Tree Park Reserve
- Ocean Acres Reserve
- Whites Beach
- Spring Creek
Within these areas, dogs are allowed off leash and under effective control, except when organised events are occurring or being prepared for. In this instance, dogs must be on a leash:
- The Quay Reserve
- Spring Creek Reserve
- Bob Pettitt Reserve