Sunshine Coast Council has revealed a draft plan for the region’s network of dog exercise areas, with some significant changes proposed for several popular areas.
The draft Dog Exercise Area Plan and Network Blueprint has been released for community feedback, with 81,000 pooches expected to call the region home by 2041.
Under the plan, there could be 17 new dog parks but significantly less access to beaches.
The beach provision includes more prohibited areas (from 8.3km to 13.7km), less off-leash space (from 17km to 15.3km) and less on-leash space (from 21.6km to 18.6km).
Among the changes, a 1km section at Stumers Creek at Coolum Beach would transition from off-leash to on-leash.
Dogs would be prohibited in sections of Point Perry, Point Arkwright, Goat Island, Alex Beach, Caloundra Headland, Happy Valley and Point Cartwright.
Point Cartwright was the scene of much controversy after dog access was restricted in 2023 and adjusted last year.
But there would be a new 700m off-leash section at Mudjimba South and a 100m expansion of off-leash space at Town of Seaside.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the council was committed to creating spaces that supported an active, inclusive and liveable community.
“This plan is about shaping a future network of dog exercise areas across the entire Sunshine Coast, whether that’s parks, beaches or recreation reserves, that meet the needs of dog owners while respecting our region’s environmental and community values,” she said.
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Locals took to social media to express their opinions.
“The draft is an absolute joke. Over 50 per cent of households have a dog … it’s about time the council gets on board to realise dogs are family,” Kate Gazzard said.
“The Stumers Creek change is going to ruffle a lot of feathers. But I think the changes (at North Shore) are fine. We can sacrifice a tiny section over summer,” Tash Cassidy said.
“I’m happy with dogs on the beach. What blows my mind is the fact council ever allowed dogs north of Stumers Creek … that’s a full stretch of national park backed beach. Dogs shouldn’t be allowed near it,” Miles Livingstone said.
Jenny Ivancic lamented the plan after previously “living through a huge fight to save Point Cartwright”.
But some people welcomed the proposals.
“Great, I can walk on the beach again without being hit by a ball or bowled over by a dog or snarled at by an aggressive dog,” Aishah Macgill said.
“Good, it’s become a dog poo farm,” Warrick Maher said.
The changes were made, in part, to help protect natural assets and to promote responsible dog ownership.
Cr Natoli said residents were now able to have their say on the draft plan.
“Your feedback will help ensure we strike the right balance between creating safe recreational spaces for dog owners and non-dog owners alike, while maintaining the natural beauty of our region,” she said.
Councillor Maria Suarez said the plan was developed to reflect the values of the community while providing a balanced approach to recreation and environmental protection.
“This plan carefully considers a balanced network of spaces that works for everyone, whether you’re a dog owner or someone who simply enjoys our beaches, parks and reserves,” she said.
“The plan’s recommendations are based on data, dog ownership trends, industry research and consultation with our community.”
She said there was plenty of space for dogs on the coastline, to complement suburban dog parks.
“Our region offers more than 15km of off-leash and 18km of on-leash dog exercise areas along our beaches and foreshores, significantly more than other regions in South-East Queensland.
MP for Caloundra Kendall Morton said she could understand council’s decision but she also understood the frustrations of dog owners who wanted more beach space.
“Sunshine Coast Council has undertaken the consultation process due to the difficult nature of the issues involved,” she said.
“I’m a dog owner but I can appreciate both sides of the complicated and emotive issue.
“I accept that council have a responsibility to provide ‘open spaces which are safe, and enjoyable for all residents’ and hope that at the conclusion of the consultation process a good mix of areas, and uses, for all residents, including dog owners, can be found.”
Coolum Residents Association president Ray Barber said the group was impressed that council had a draft plan that was supported by demographic information and took account of assumed growth.
The group said the draft plan recognised various interests in outdoor spaces, and Mr Barber said it was crucial to protect the environment.
“At Stumers Creek, the plan should respect two things – the neighbouring beach uses in the Noosa Plan and the environmental values of the Noosa National Park Peregian section,” he said.
“Additional dog exercise areas for Coolum district (at Town of Seaside) are mooted and this is welcome.”
The draft plan is open for feedback until February 28, with final recommendations set to be presented to council later this year.
The proposed 17 new dog parks could be located at Pelican Waters, Bellvista, Mooloolaba Alex Headland, Yandina, Buderim/Kunda Park, Caloundra South x 2 (developer contributed), Ilkley/Eudlo, Palmview, Maleny, Mountain Creek, Maroochydore, Landsborough, Chevallum/Hunchy, Honey Farm, Maroochydore North, Mooloolah Valley, Hinterland is under future investigation.
The existing dog parks that could be fenced are at Coochin Park, Woorim Park, Cod Hole Park, Mooloolah Recreation Reserve (partial), Quota Hideaway Park (partial), Petrie Park and Meridan Downs Park (fence playground).
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to other community groups and state MPs for comment.
The MP for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson and MP for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie stated that it was a council matter.
