Changes to dog access areas have been rubber-stamped by local authorities, paving the way for a new network of restrictions and off-leash zones across the Sunshine Coast.
Councillors on Thursday voted to amend the animal management local law to enforce a plan adopted in December, formally locking in where dogs are allowed, and where they are not, across beaches, parks and reserves.
The changes will see a mix of expanded and reduced off-leash beach areas, new dog bans in environmentally sensitive reserves and foreshores, and stricter rules at council sports fields, with the new arrangements set to take effect from July 3.
The changes follow the adoption of the Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint 2025-2045 late last year, which set out a region-wide review of where dogs can be exercised.
Council stated that the updated rules are intended to better balance recreational use of parks and beaches with environmental protection, wildlife management and competing community demands.
Nine of 11 councillors voiced their support for the amendment to the local law.
Joe Natoli was among them.
“There will be big impacts by introducing this local law, but I’ve lived on the Coast since 1970 and I’ve seen a massive increase of people on beaches, and we have to keep making changes to support the environment and people’s comfort in spaces that traditionally we might have allowed the opportunity for dogs to be off leash,” he said.
“As uncomfortable as it is for people who have add access to spaces, I think we have to understand that pressure (of increased population and impact).”
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There are more than 54,000 registered dogs in the region, which is projected to grow to over 80,000 by 2046.
Cr Taylor Bunnag said the changes were necessary.
“The reality is we are putting forward a set of local law amendments that are designed to manage dogs and humans and other animals and other environmental and cultural significant issues for the next 50 years. This is a long-term strategy and change.
“I know that not everyone is going to be happy with this but that’s the nature of compromise. That’s what we’re here to do: try and find a balance for the future, to provide adequate space, but also recognise that not everywhere is appropriate for dogs to go.”
Cr Tim Burns also supported the amendments.
“I believe council found a great middle way ensure a really great outcome for dog owners but, equally, the more than 50 per cent of this region who don’t own a dog,” he said.
Cr Maria Suarez said locals will have a greater understanding of dog access areas.
“It provides clarity to the community. I look forward to having signage installed so people know exactly where they can and can’t take their dogs because, often, people take their dogs in the wrong places and not intending to do so.”
But Cr Terry Landsberg was emotional in his opposition, after also disagreeing with the plan in December.
“Once you adopt a local law you take away someone’s privileges,” he said.
“We’re talking about the closure of 47 different conservation parks, recreation parks, reserves across the Coast.
“The feedback I’ve received is a lot of our community didn’t realise the extent of those closures.
“This is critically important. We are making decisions that affect people’s lives.
“I see the importance of dogs in our community.”
He said he was “astounded” that social value of dogs “did not record a higher rating” in the exercise area assessment.
“This (dog exercise area plan) needs go out for another round of community consultation to gauge community feedback because this report was delivered on a sky is falling on our heads basis.”
Mayor Rosanna Natoli and councillors Jenny Broderick, Winston Johnston, Ted Hungerford and David Law supported the local law amendment while Christian Dickson expressed his opposition.
Among the changes are new or expanded dog parks at Pelican Waters, Yandina, Yandina Tea Tree Park and Banya Avenue Linear Park, with expansions also planned at Grand Parade in Parrearra and Ridgehaven Park in Aroona.
At Coolum’s Stumers Creek, only minor changes will be introduced after community feedback, with the off-leash beach area remaining in place. The change would simply require dogs to be on-leash between the car park and the designated area.
Off-leash areas at Currimundi, Alexandra Headland, Kings Beach, Mooloolaba and Maroochydore will be reduced or redefined, while there are restrictions along some sections along Mudjimba, Point Cartwright and Moffat Beach. There are also some new and extended off-leash stretches of beach. Seasonal limits at North Shore and Twin Waters aim to protect migratory shorebirds.
The proposal also includes bans across 17 conservation reserves, six nature reserves and 13 bushland reserves, with access in parts of six bushland networks limited to designated trails. Dogs would also be banned from active sports fields, with some permit exemptions for events. Five rocky foreshores, including Point Cartwright, Moffat Headland and Caloundra Headland would become dog-free zones.
Significant community consultation was held in the lead-up to the plan being approved in December, including 2400 responses to a council survey and 18 pop-up information centres.
A review of the plan is expected in about 2030.
