Changes to dog access areas are included in a draft master plan for one of the region’s most loved locations.
After being guided by the community and independent specialists, Sunshine Coast Council has developed a draft for the Point Cartwright Reserve and La Balsa Park Master Plan.
Among the proposed changes is prohibiting dogs in some areas where they could previously roam free, in an effort to better protect the environment.
Other proposed improvements include an improved pathway network with wider paths, improved surface and improved alignment; upgraded park furniture and equipment; an improved barbecue and shelters; more shade; and an improved playground.
A council press release said there was significant feedback about dog access areas in preliminary engagement with the community.
Some people shared how much they enjoyed the reserve and park with their pets, while others had concerns about safety and the environmental impacts of pets, particularly on endangered migratory shorebirds and other vulnerable flora and fauna.
The feedback, along with specialist reports and council’s civic responsibility to ensure a safe public place and environmental protection, meant that some changes to pet access were proposed.
It was proposed that pet access remained available in the designated areas of the reserve and park at all times, as long as they stay on-leash. Time restrictions would no longer apply.
But new areas of environmental and cultural protection would be in place and prohibited to pets.
These areas would include the rocky foreshore, north-facing beach and vegetated areas.
To offset this change, council would increase off-leash areas nearby, including a 380m stretch of beach from access numbers 201 to 205.
These changes were subject to council endorsing the draft master plan, followed by a local law amendment process that would require a separate community engagement process.
Division 4 councillor Joe Natoli said that due to the area’s significance, combined with the increasing popularity of the reserve, it was vital that a diverse range of community voices and independent experts helped shape its future.
“Commencing in 2021, council sought extensive feedback from residents, community groups, businesses, experts and key stakeholders on their values and vision for the Point Cartwright Reserve and La Balsa Park area,” he said.
Environment and Liveability and Place Development and Design portfolios councillor Peter Cox said consideration had been given to the environmental protection of all flora and fauna, with special attention to some species such as the nudibranch sea slug, nesting loggerhead turtles and endangered migratory shorebirds.
“We also considered the numerous recreational activities the reserve and park area are used for and ensured the profound cultural heritage importance was taken into account,” he said.
“The plan seeks to improve accessibility and recreational opportunities via wider paths and improved surfaces, deliver improved facilities like furniture and shelters, plus create more shade for all to enjoy.
“Another strong focus is making sure environmental protection is enhanced with additional trees and an increase of vegetation.
“We also want to create a sense of place for all who visit. More interpretive and educational elements will aid nature-based passive recreation and cultural heritage appreciation.
“All these components have inspired and shaped the draft master plan, and we now want to find out if community aspirations have been captured and translated into the draft.”
Council is now asking the residents to have their say on the draft master plan.
Cr Natoli said the draft master plan strived to strike a balance and a blending of views, ensuring environmental and cultural protection well into the future.
“Your feedback will help identify the community’s priorities, guiding future staging and funding opportunities for the project,” he said.
“I encourage our community to be part of Point Cartwright Reserve and La Balsa Park’s future. Go online and discover what we have learnt, explore the guiding strategies and proposed improvements and then tell us, via a survey, if the master plan will deliver on our agreed aim.”
The community can provide feedback by completing a short survey online at Have Your Say until July 2. Following this consultation, the master plan will be finalised, and projects identified for future budget consideration and delivery.
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