More than 1100 people have backed a petition challenging what organisers describe as “increasingly restrictive” dog rules on the Coast.
The petition calls on Sunshine Coast Council to review its approach to dog restrictions and enforcement, following changes to the region’s animal management rules adopted at council’s April 2026 Ordinary Meeting.
The changes saw 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. The new arrangements started on July 3.
A council spokesperson said the petition had not yet been submitted for consideration.
The Sunshine Coast is home to more than 54,000 registered dogs, with owners facing an $863 fine if their dog is off-leash in an on-leash area.
Being in a prohibited area or failing to carry a waste bag can attract a $345 fine, while council officers can issue on-the-spot fines.
The petitioners claim the changes have affected long-standing dog walking areas across the region.
“At the same time, dog owners face increasingly complex rules, dedicated enforcement patrols and significant financial penalties for breaches,” they said.
“We have reached a point where an everyday activity – taking your dog for a walk – is becoming increasingly regulated, monitored and policed.
“Dog owners should not continually pay more while losing access to suitable places to exercise their dogs.”
In response to the issues raised in the petition, a council spokesperson said, “We encourage our community when visiting any location with your dog, to check council signage and visit our website to identify the dog off-leash and prohibited areas.”
“You can also access the site via council’s app.”
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
The petition organisers said they support responsible dog ownership and accept the need for rules around controlling dogs, cleaning up after them and protecting people, wildlife and the environment.
However, they argue the current balance between regulation and access to public spaces has shifted too far.
“We should be cautious about normalising a system where more and more ordinary activities are regulated, monitored and backed by substantial penalties,” they said.
“This is not about opposing all regulation. It is about questioning when reasonable regulation becomes over-regulation, and when enforcement begins to replace trust and personal responsibility.”
The campaign is calling for restrictions to be supported by evidence and for council to explain the reasons behind changes to dog access.
“We call on Sunshine Coast Council to listen to its residents, review the current approach and restore a more proportionate, practical and community-focused approach to dog management,” it said.
