Sunshine Coast Council delays Point Cartwright dog ban

A controversial proposal to delay a total dog ban at Point Cartwright has been heavily criticised by two councillors as the debate remains a sensitive issue nearly one year on.

Dog-lovers protested the changes ahead of the Sunshine Coast Council’s decision last December. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A controversial proposal to delay a total dog ban at Point Cartwright has been heavily criticised by two councillors as the debate remains a sensitive issue nearly one year on.

The recommendation to delay the ban was presented to the Sunshine Coast Council at the ordinary meeting on Thursday, December 12.

According to the report presented to councillors, the delay would allow for the completion of the Regional Dog Exercise Area Plan and Network Blueprint.

The Sunshine Coast Council first passed the controversial dog ban on December 14, 2023, with the total ban set to be implemented from July next year.

The delay sought to have the off-leash dog zone extended until July 2026.

Councillors David Law and Joe Natoli were both outspoken about their opposition to the delayed total dog ban.

Joe Natoli said he wanted to see consequences for dog-walkers who were “blatantly ignoring” the rules. Photo: John McCutcheon / Sunshine Coast Daily

Mr Law said there were 67 threatened species on the Sunshine Coast and the Point Cartwright area needed to begin to “recover” from overuse.

In regards to the temporary off-leash zone being allowed up until the original date in 2025, Mr Law said it was “extremely unfortunate that it (the amendment) happened” at the council’s meeting last year.

Mr Natoli assured the council there would “only be one extension” granted, saying he wanted to see consequences for dog-owners who were “blatantly ignoring the local law”.

“It will be no surprise to councillors that I personally don’t support this but I do understand at the time we made a commitment,” Mr Natoli said.

Mr Natoli, Mr Law and Ms Suarez all voted against the proposed one-year extension.

Mayor Rosanna Natoli and councillors Jenny Broderick, Terry Landsberg, Tim Burns, Winston Johnson, Christian Dickson and Ted Hungerford all voted in favour, ultimately passing the proposal.