Melbourne's Inner Suburbs Are Getting 24 New Parks and Off-Leash Dog Areas

That pup of yours (or that pup you've been thinking about getting) could soon score a whole bunch of new places to sniff, socialise and play, with the Victorian Government announcing plans to create nine new off-leash dog parks and 15 new 'pocket parks' by 2021.

The new green spaces are included in the first round of the Government's $154 million Suburban Parks Program, which will see a total of 6500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails and bike trails, as well as a total 25 pocket parks and 16 off-leash dog parks, created across the city.

Victorian Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio announced plans for the new parks yesterday, Sunday, May 25, saying: "being stuck inside the last few months has reminded us of the value of open green space to stretch the legs, clear the head and get some fresh air. As our suburbs continue to grow, we're making sure people have easy access to much needed open green space to exercise, relax or just enjoy the outdoors."

New pocket and dog parks projects funded under round 1 via Victorian Government

Set to being opening from next year, the nine new dog parks will be located in Carrum, Cranbourne East and Rowville in Melbourne's south; South Yarra in the east; Eltham North and Mickleham in the north; and Maribyrnong, Cairnlea and Werribee in the west. The pocket parks will be popping up everywhere from Flemington to Moorabbin.

According to the Government, the locations have been chosen based on accessibility by public transport, road or walking and biking trails, as well looking at what dense, urban areas were lacking green open spaces.

Funding for the second round of parks will open on June 1.

It's not the first time the Andrews Government has proved itself pet-friendly, having recently introduced new rental reform laws making it way harder for landlords to ban pets, too.

For more information about Melbourne's new pocket and off-leash dog parks, head to the Victorian Government website.