A community group hopes a public outcry will be heard by a local council when it considers the future of a dog beach.
The Save Stumers Creek Off Leash Dog Beach Committee says more than 6000 people have signed its petitions to try to stop Sunshine Coast Council from turning a 1km off-leash area at Coolum into an on-leash area.
The council’s proposal is part of a Draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint, which would include more dog parks but less off-leash space on beaches across the region.
Committee member Bree Logie said the stretch of beach at Stumers Creek was an important place for people and their pets to socialise, interact and “decompress”.
A council spokesperson said community feedback on the draft plan was being reviewed and any changes would “meet the needs of dog owners while respecting our region’s environmental and community values”.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
Ms Logie outlined the committee’s quest.
“Our ideal outcome is to maintain it as an off-leash destination (from access point 67 to 72) that is safe, inclusive and accessible to all for the next 20 years and beyond, for the next generation of dog lovers and non-dog lovers to enjoy,” she said.
“We are striving for an amicable and progressive outcome with council to allow a safe space for our dogs to fulfil their natural off-leash instincts and, as a result, nurture well-adjusted dogs.
“As the population grows, we will continue to advocate for practical solutions that balance environmental stewardship with the wellbeing of pets and their owners. Our goal is to work collaboratively to ensure Stumers Creek remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of the community: two and four-legged alike.”
She said the group had submitted an online petition with about 3900 signatures and two paper petitions with about 2370 signatures.
The group has also held three gatherings at Stumers Creek, including one that led to tears. The most recent was attended by more than 120 people, including deputy mayor Maria Suarez and group supporter Ted O’Brien, the federal MP for Fairfax. More events are planned.
Ms Logie was hopeful of a positive outcome for the group.
“It’s important to stay optimistic in the hope that the council will read all the community’s emails, letters, submissions and petitions so that the proposal can be tailored to keep Stumers Creek as it currently stands,” she said.
A selection of committee members also had a meeting with Cr Suarez and some council personnel.
She said the group was reminded by council that the blueprint was still in the draft stage.
She also said Save Stumers Creek hoped to be a reference group for the council and it could also play a role in educating the community about responsible dog ownership.
Ms Logie said there were other groups rallying against proposed changes to other off-leash areas on the Sunshine Coast, including La Balsa Bow Wows at Point Cartwright and North Shore Dog Walkers at Twin Waters.
Meanwhile, the council spokesperson thanked community members for providing input on the draft plan.
“This feedback is now being reviewed with final recommendations set to be presented to council later this year,” they said.
“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.
“The community 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.”
The feedback included an online survey and pop-up sessions.
Sunshine Coast News asked the council how many people took part in the survey, and how many people supported and opposed the draft plan and what there reasons were.
SCN also asked the council how many people supported and opposed the Stumers Creek proposal and why, and how many people had expressed their opposition to the Stumers Creek proposal via other methods, including petitions.
Council said that information was being analysed.
“All the feedback is now being reviewed with final recommendations set to be presented to council later this year,” the spokesperson reiterated.
Mr O’Brien voiced his support for the Stumers Creek dog group.
“I’ve always been a ‘dog person’ so I can’t deny that I am very sympathetic to this cause and I believe the section of the beach should remain off-leash,” he said.
“It was great to join a group of dog-loving locals on Easter Saturday at the Save Stumers Awareness Dog Walk.
“This group represents a genuine organic grassroots movement advocating to maintain a small section of the beach to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike with their furry best friends.
“I was pleased to also see councillors Suarez, (Ted) Hungerford and Taylor (Bunnag) also in attendance and listening to this growing community group.”
