Sunshine Coast locals protest council plans for off-leash dog beach

More than 2500 people have signed a petition opposing the changes which could see Sunshine Coast beach areas where dogs are allowed, both on-and-off leash, heavily slashed.

Dogs have been allowed at Stumers Creek, north of the Coolum Beach township, for many years. Photo Lachie Millard

More than 2500 people have signed a petition opposing Sunshine Coast Council’s proposed changes to the region’s dog exercise areas.

Dog owners are campaigning to block the reduction of permitted off leash areas on beaches, sports ground, and parks, with protesters gathering at Stumers Creek, one of the affected areas, on Sunday.

Silke Herwald is a concerned dog owner who wrote to Councillor Maria Suarez expressing problems the community have with the plan.

In her email she asked how many dog owners were consulted and what the exact cost of the proposed new fenced dog parks and exercise areas would be.

Stumers Creek Dog Beach Protest

Ms Herwald cited safety concerns at Stumers Creek, as “closing the current off-leash area and forcing dogs and owners to cross the creek before walking 130 meters north on-leash creates a dangerous situation”.

She said the creek could be deep and fast flowing, which may be hazardous and exclude people with mobility issues or families from the area.

Community well being and mental health were also a concern.

“The elderly would not be able to take their dogs to the beach anymore as the other access paths are inaccessible due to soft sand,” Ms Herwald said.

“The proposed changes are discriminatory and very exclusive of certain community groups.

“Many of the dog walkers from Point Cartwright are using Stumers now, so it’s clearly busier and there is a great sense of community.”

2021 census data shows 54,000 registered dogs with Council estimating an increase to 80,300 dogs by 2046.

Millie the Miniature Labradoodle with her ball at Stumers Creek on the Sunshine Coast.

The Council’s draft dog exercise area regional plan would be in effect for the next 20 years and proposes 19 new dog parks to counter reduced beach access across 47 existing sites.

Sunshine Coast beaches would be left with 15 kilometres of off-leash area, down from 17km, and 18km instead of 21km of on-leash zones.

Total beach area where dogs are prohibited would increase from 8km to 13km.

A total dog ban would be placed on Point Cartwright and Goat Island, while parts of Alexandra Corner, Ballinger Beach, Caloundra Headland, Currimundi Beach, Happy Valley, Moffat Headland, Point Arkwright and Point Perry would also see permanent bans.

Stumers Creek off-leash beach would become on-leash only for a kilometre.

Working dog Frank gets a morning workout at Stumers Creek, north of Coolum. Photo: Lachie Millard

Ms Herwald suggested a balanced approach, with off-leash access during weekdays and on-leash during weekends, or off-leash access after 4pm and before 8am only.

Councillor Suarez said council was receiving some very well constructed and considered feedback on the plan.

“Various views have been presented, and we welcome all of these views which are often based on an individual’s experiences and desires,” Ms Suarez said.

“Community feedback gathered through the Have Your Say platform will be invaluable in helping strike the right balance and create a blueprint that truly reflects the values of our community,” a council spokesman said.

The council is taking community feedback on the draft plan until February 28.