Ann Wason Moore: Why the Gold Coast needs more off-leash dog beaches
While clothing-optional beaches remain controversial, it seems collar-optional beaches are just as contentious, with tongues and tails wagging over a proposed new off-leash stretch of sand.
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When it comes to off-leash beaches, there are doggie-dos and doggie-don’ts.
And I should know, because I have certainly stepped in it.
The last time my labrador, Sparky, visited the delightful dog paradise of Palm Beach, we left with our tail between our legs.
I should have known better, but he’s 10 years old now so I thought perhaps he could at last be trusted. Big mistake. Huge.
Because as friendly and relatively obedient as he is, all rules are out the window once food is involved.
Thus we were forced to leave in disgrace after he, first, swam out to a couple feeding fish in the estuary, swimming circles around them as he swallowed all their soggy bread, then he nosily inspected a number of picnic baskets along the sand before zooming right out of the park and into nearby Dune Cafe.
I only found him after a kitchen-hand called the number on his dog tag.
Never again.
But just because Sparky doesn’t know how to behave, doesn’t mean other canine companions should lose their off-leash privileges. #notalldogs
In fact, while clothing-optional beaches remain controversial, I wouldn’t think collar-optional beaches would be contentious.
Now, I’m not suggesting that we need dozens of off-leash beaches, but the Gold Coast does seem under-served given the growth of both our population and that of our furry friends.
Currently, the city has six off-leash beach areas: The Spit, Biggera Waters foreshore (restricted times between 5am to 8am and 4pm to 7pm), Labrador foreshore, Paradise Point foreshore, Palm Beach and Tallebudgera Beach.
That leaves a huge gap between the Spit and Tallebudgera - the most densely populated suburbs of the city - without an easily accessible off-leash beach.
Which was why when Division 12 Councillor Nick Marshall pitched a timed off-lead dog beach, in front of the already off-lead dog park at Pratten Park at the southern end of Broadbeach, it seemed a great idea.
The hours would be restricted to early morning, before lifeguards begin patrol, and possibly later afternoon. It’s not all day, it’s not the entire beach but it would be time-restricted and location-specific.
The plan is now open to public consultation until March 3, and Cr Marshall said if the response was positive then the council would trial the timed off-leash beach.
It’s a carefully considered plan, but it’s already set not just tails but tongues wagging. Which is perhaps no surprise given the reaction when the Bulletin first announced this plan.
“This will be a disaster!” commented one reader.
“Yet another woke idea,” said another.
And my favourite?
“Keep dogs off the beach.” This, despite the fact that dogs are allowed on-leash on every beach, except within 200m of flagged swimming areas.
However, the fact is that without enough official off-leash beaches, every beach becomes an off-leash beach.
Visit any given beach on any given morning, and you’ll see dozens of dogs roaming free, despite running the risk of an $806 fine.
With no off-leash beach options between the Spit and Tallebudgera, a distance of some 20km, perhaps it’s little wonder.
Look, if you’re not a dog-lover, I can understand why you’d rather not have your beach walk spoiled by a slobbery, smiling pooch. But that’s all the more reason to have specific off-leash beaches … so you know where to avoid.
As for those who love to take their fur babies on beach expeditions, if this trial goes ahead it will be the perfect opportunity to prove you can teach a dog owner new tricks.
Follow the doggie-dos: Pick up after your dog, respect the time limits and be a responsible owner.
I promise, I won’t bring Sparky.
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Originally published as Ann Wason Moore: Why the Gold Coast needs more off-leash dog beaches
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