A contentious plan to limit dog off-leash access at a much-loved spot is now the subject of proposed local law amendments.
Proposed changes to dog access areas at Point Cartwright have been scrutinised by local residents and the wider community since Sunshine Coast Council released its Point Cartwright Reserve and La Balsa Park Draft Master Plan, which was intended to ensure the protection of the environment and to manage and enhance the coastal reserve.
Members of the extended community voiced concerns around plans to cut some off-leash dog access, as well as disability access, and local resident Mark Gilbert launched the Keep Point Cartwright off leash access for dogs petition, which has almost 5600 signatures.
At last month’s ordinary council meeting, councillors endorsed the master plan, after working closely with the community and independent specialists. But not without robust debate and lengthy deliberation – on a proposal within the plan – to remove the northern dog off-leash area at Point Cartwright.
Related Story: Changes to dog access amid draft plan for popular point
At yesterday’s ordinary meeting, council agreed to start a local law-making process that proposed changes to animal management at Point Cartwright.
Under the proposed local law amendments, dogs will be allowed on-leash at Half Moon Bay, open-spaced areas of Point Cartwright Reserve, Buddina Beach and La Balsa Park.
Dogs would be prohibited from the northern beach onto and around the rocky foreshore, the dunes along Buddina Beach and sections of Point Cartwright Reserve.
These recommendations follow council’s recent endorsement of the master plan.
Proposed local law amendments
- Pathway from La Balsa Park along Half Moon Bay to the northern beach area: The existing timed (4pm to 8am) dog off-leash area to be changed to dog on-leash at all times.
- Northern Beach onto and around rocky foreshore: The existing timed (4pm to 8am) dog off-leash area to be changed to a dogs-prohibited area.
- Eastern rocky foreshore onto Buddina Beach: The existing dog off-leash at all times to be changed to dogs-prohibited.
- Point Cartwright Reserve: The existing timed (4pm to 8am) dog off-leash area to be changed to dogs on-leash at all times in some areas and dogs-prohibited in other areas. The existing off-leash at all times area to be changed to dogs on-leash at all times in some areas, and “dogs-prohibited” in other areas.
- Buddina Beach: The existing dog off-leash at all times area to remain in place.
- Dunes along Buddina Beach: Will be dogs-prohibited areas. Access to the pathways and beach access to be dogs on-leash.
The neighbouring La Balsa Park would remain a dog on-leash area and the current off-leash area would be unchanged on the eastern beach.
Councillor Joe Natoli said he appreciated the extensive community feedback which was received during the prior master planning process.
“We appreciate that many of our community members have contributed feedback during the master plan process and value them taking the time to do so,” he said.
From Monday, the community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed local law amendments.
“Point Cartwright Reserve and La Balsa Park are growing in popularity, which is why the master plan was endorsed and changes required,” he said.
“The master plan has provided the basis for sustainable animal access to this area to ensure the protection of our environment and to manage and enhance the coastal reserve that regularly attracts thousands of people – many with their beloved pets – in a day.
“Your views are important to us which is why it’s important to provide feedback on the proposed amendments to the local laws between September 25 to October 30 by visiting council’s Have Your Say website.”
Following the consultation process, council will consider all feedback and decide to make, or not make, the proposed amendments to the local laws.
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