Bribie Islanders conflicted by call for a new dog off-leash beach

Angry residents have hit back at a council north of Brisbane for suggesting a new dog-friendly beach could be on the cards depending on the results of a state government trial.

Bribie Island residents appear divided over having a dog beach on the passage side of the island.

A REVIEW into a potential dog off-leash beach on the Pumicestone Passage has split Bribie Island in two.

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Moreton Bay Regional councillor Brooke Savige suggested it was time to explore the possibility of an eastern dog-friendly beach after changes were recently enforced to shorten the Red Beach off-leash area.

It wasn’t the first time this idea had been floated, a 142-signature petition, was presented to council in June 2017 for a section of Banksia Beach, and another separate petition before that.

Councillor Brooke Savige (Div 1) and Ellie’s fresh call for a dog-friendly beach on the Pumicestone Passage side of Bribie Island.

“What I’m committing to is the review of needs to have another off-leash dog beach,” Cr Savige said. “If there is a need, where would be appropriate?

“We’ve had petitions to add dog beach facilities.”

The Bribie Weekly received letters from residents in response, who opposed the idea.

Pamela Carmichael wrote: “To say we are upset that this is being considered is an understatement”.

Ian Hill said: “There would also be some safety concerns with family groups and small children using the beach if dogs were allowed to roam free”.

John Bell added: “Owners need to take more responsibility”.

Barry Lee said: “There is a direct correlation between off leash dogs and damage to the wildlife” — which was true at Red Beach, according to council, where a wallaby was killed by a dog late last year.

The swamp wallaby was left with horrific facial injuries after the dog attack at Red Beach, Bribie Island

Council is waiting for Queensland Parks and Wildlife to complete a dog off-leash beach trial with Brisbane City Council before proceeding with its investigation.

A Department of Environemnt and Science spokesman fines said it is aware that other local councils were interested in the outcome of the trial.

“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is working with Brisbane City Council to develop guidelines which will assist councils identify appropriate dog off-leash areas in and around Moreton Bay Marine Park,” he said.

“These guidelines will identify key shorebird feeding and resting sites to help minimise the disturbance of these migratory species.

“Once completed, QPWS’s dog-off leash beach guidelines will be made available to all interested local councils.”