New signage has been installed along Noosa’s eastern beaches to remind dog owners where pets are not permitted.
Noosa Council has placed the additional signs between Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach, following community concerns about dogs accessing prohibited areas.
Acting Local Laws manager Clint Irwin said the extra signage would help residents and visitors clearly understand where dogs are allowed.
“We have over six kilometres of beautiful beaches between Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach where dogs can be exercised on and off leash, but outside these areas, beachgoers have a right to enjoy the beach free of dogs,” Mr Irwin said.
The ‘dogs prohibited’ signs form part of Council’s ongoing education campaign, which includes ATV beach patrols introduced after the Queensland Government increased fines for failing to keep a dog under effective control to $834.
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Local resident Geoff Mallinson, who called for clearer signage after a dog attack last year, welcomed the move.
“I’m pleased to see action being taken to rein in irresponsible dog owners,” Mr Mallinson said.
Noosa has almost 10,000 registered dogs across the shire, with council recording 103 dog attacks in 2025.
Mr Irwin said while existing beach signage already indicates where dogs are permitted, the additional signs respond to calls from the community for clearer messaging.
“It’s every dog owner’s responsibility to know the rules, but these new signs respond to community calls for better education,” he said.
There are 12 designated off-leash areas across the Noosa Shire.
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Acting Mayor Brian Stockwell thanked Mr Mallinson for raising the issue through a deputation to Council.
“We have proactively addressed the request and provided a good outcome for the community,” he said.
“These changes, along with increased patrols, will hopefully encourage those few who flout the rules to do the right thing.”
Mr Irwin warned repeat offenders could expect hefty fines.
“Patrols were conducted between Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach over the Christmas–New Year period, and we are receiving positive feedback from our community, so the patrols will certainly continue,” he said.
“We’ve spent months educating dog owners and directing them to legal off-leash areas. Now, those who ignore the rules risk a fine.”
Residents can find information on where dogs are permitted on Noosa beaches on the Noosa Council website.
