Point Cartwright dog-friendly areas petition handed to Sunshine Coast Council

More than a thousand people have signed a petition calling on Sunshine Coast Council not to make changes to a popular off-leash dog park and beach. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Dog owners are desperate to keep a unique Sunshine Coast beach and parkland as off-leash friendly as considerations are made for future uses and development.

Vivienne Williams said dog owners would be devastated ifPoint Cartwright and La Balsa Park were no longer dog friendly areas.

Ms Williams who walks her dog most days there has gained more than 1000 signatures for her petition calling for Sunshine Coast Council not to make any changes to dog walking rules.

The council has asked residents for feedback on a masterplan for Point Cartwright and La Balsa Park at Buddina with the aim to create a 20-year blueprint for managing its recreational and environmental values.

Vivienne Williams has gained almost 1000 signatures from dog owners who want La Balsa Park and Point Cartwright Reserve to continue to be a dog friendly area. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Ms Williams feared the changes would include scrapping off-leash areas, including those where dogs are allowed to roam freely from 4pm-8am.

“People were very upset about the potential of losing that important ability for us all to walk our dogs,” Ms Williams said.

“It’s a very important part of our day – we go down to the beach, meet people, let the dogs play, it’s that mental health aspect as much as it is for exercise too.”

Dog owners want Sunshine Coast Council to keep La Balsa Park and Point Cartwright dog friendly. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Division 4 councillor Joe Natoli said responsible pet ownership was an ongoing concern with many dog owners failing to pick up after their animals or keep control of their dogs off-lead.

Since walking her Shetland sheepdog at the beach three years ago she said he gained a group of dog friends dubbed the “west pack”.

“If we weren’t allowed to continue walking there it would end a lot of friendships, for the owners and the dogs,” she said.

Vivienne Williams has gained almost 1000 signatures from dog owners who want La Balsa Park and Point Cartwright Reserve to continue to be a dog friendly area. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The council has formed a 10-member community reference group for the project with Professor John Martin the chair.

Prof Martin was previously the council’s chair for a community advisory group for its coastal hazards plan.

“It is part of a wider council strategy to understand what the community loves and values about these coastal places, what the issues and challenges are in how the spaces are used and managed and their vision for the future,” he said.

The council has placed temporary cameras and counters to gauge how the area is being used, including finding out the number of prams, scooters, dogs, pedestrians, skateboards and surfers are visiting.

The council’s initial public consultation finished 2022 but once the plan was developed it would be released for further comments.

Mr Natoli said a masterplan would be finalised this year to provide a long-term vision for the site.