Kangaroo Point dog owners face another wait to return to James Warner Park’s off-leash area, with Brisbane City Council now expecting the popular riverside facility to remain closed until December 2026 as remediation work continues.
Read: Kangaroo Point Parks Face Temporary Closures as Brisbane Moves to Clean Up Decades-Old Contamination
The dog park was originally scheduled to close for up to four months from late April, putting its anticipated reopening around August. However, Council’s August construction update confirmed that wet weather and additional remediation work had pushed the timetable back. Its current project information continues to list the works as in progress, without giving a specific reopening date.
Why the dog park is taking longer to reopen
The original works involved removing and replacing old fill material beneath the park, laying fresh turf, planting trees and improving landscaping. Plans also include installing a new deck around some existing trees in the off-leash area, allowing them to be retained for shade.
Council’s August update identified another complication: asbestos had been found in the ground in some areas of James Warner Park and neighbouring C.T. White Park during remediation.
Council advised that licensed contractors would manage and remove the material, with appropriate signage and controls in place. The additional work, combined with wet weather, meant the original closure period could no longer be met.
The remediation addresses contamination associated with the area’s former industrial uses, including shipyards, wharves and workshops. Council’s earlier advice distinguished the historical material beneath the parks from the risk posed by ordinary use of areas protected by grass, mulch or paving.
The current restrictions relate to designated work areas, rather than a declaration that all surrounding public spaces are unsafe.
What residents can expect around the parks
The works also affect access around C.T. White Park, where Council scheduled remediation to begin in early September. Its August notice advised that the playground would close for up to four months, with plans to reinstate it slightly north of its previous position to improve accessibility.
Temporary disruptions may affect Hamilton Street, nearby footpaths and sections of the Kangaroo Point Bikeway. Council has advised that sections of the bikeway and the western Hamilton Street footpath may close intermittently during the initial stages of C.T. White Park works.
When those closures occur, pedestrians and cyclists are to be directed along the eastern side of Hamilton Street. Intermittent street closures may also occur, with access arrangements managed through onsite signage and traffic control.
Council’s project information also identifies possible temporary closures of car parks on Annie Street, Hamilton Street and near the Brisbane Jazz Club. These are temporary arrangements, not confirmed continuous closures of every listed facility.
When will James Warner Park reopen?
December remains Council’s published expectation for the dog park, but no particular day has been announced. Reopening will depend on weather, site conditions and the progress of the remaining works.
The off-leash area is intended to return to James Warner Park rather than move permanently elsewhere. The earlier project plans also provide for the reinstatement of affected park facilities and landscaping.
For dog owners needing another exercise area, the Baines Street Dog Off-Leash Area was identified in Kangaroo Point News’ earlier coverage as a nearby alternative, although its current access status should be checked before visiting.
Read: Kangaroo Point Playground and Dog Park Closed Following Lead Discovery
Residents seeking the latest reopening information can contact Council’s project team on 07 3178 5413 during business hours or email cityprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.
For now, the practical message is that James Warner Park’s dog off-leash area is not scheduled to return before December under Council’s published timetable, and even that month remains an estimate.
Published 31-Oct-2026
