Council & Business
9 December, 2025
Dogs return to town CBD
Visitors and locals alike can once again enjoy Maryborough’s CBD with their four-legged companions in tow after Central Goldfields Shire Council adopted the General Local Law 2025 in September.
Dogs are welcome in Maryborough’s CBD following the recent adoption of new local laws.
Visitors and locals alike can once again enjoy Maryborough’s CBD with their four-legged companions in tow after Central Goldfields Shire Council adopted the General Local Law 2025 in September.
The local laws are updated every 10 years and, under the old local law, dogs were not permitted in the CBD.
However, after feedback from residents, visitors and tourists, council has updated the law to allow dogs in the Maryborough CBD, provided their pets remain under control at all times.
Central Goldfields Shire mayor Ben Green said it was important to listen to broad community feedback gathered as part of the Local Law review.
“Our community and our Visitor Centre team raised the problem for tourists passing through and locals alike. They’re not allowed to leave dogs alone in vehicles, yet they weren’t allowed to take them into the town’s centre,” he said.
“That wasn’t good for our local businesses and it wasn’t very welcoming for visitors.”
Council’s manager of statutory services Peter Field said the community drove the change in the local laws.
“Last year, as part of the Local Law review process, 200 residents shared their feedback with us. We heard loud and clear that the community wanted the clause removed from the 2015 law that prohibited dogs in our main retail precinct,” he said.
Mr Field reminds dog owners to be responsible — ensure their pet doesn’t disturb others and clean up after them.
“Provided pet lovers do their bit, everyone wins — especially our furry friends,” he said.
Cr Green said the change offers a new opportunity to wander the town’s CBD.
“We’re keen to invite locals and visitors alike to explore everything our CBD has to offer — now with their canine companions by their side.”