Council rings changes at off-leash dog beach after attacks

Dogs will have to stay on-leash at parts of Bribie Island’s popular dog off-leash beach under major changes being made by the council. Rangers are set to patrol the beach and dish out fines for people who ignore the new regulations.

CHANGES are being made to off-leash dog areas on Bribie Island following a spike in attacks on wildlife.

Moreton Bay Regional Council said dogs will now be required to stay on-leash when being walked near Buckley’s Hole Conservation Park, which includes a 1km long stretch of Red Beach on the western side.

Dogs enjoying a leash-free run along red beach. Photo: Michael Vriesekolk

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It comes after a wallaby was euthanised in October following a savage dog attack along that shoreline.

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

The council received 2857 complaints relating to animal nuisance and dog wandering in 2018. Of those, 46 were in Bongaree, three resulting in fines to offending animal owners.

Councillor for Parks and Recreation Koliana Winchester (Div 6) said the council was forced to make this decision following the rise in attacks.

Satellite photo of Bribie Island: Red = dogs banned, yellow = on-leash, green = off-leash.

“The vast majority of dog owners do the right thing, but it’s incumbent on us to balance the interests of pets with the safety of native wildlife and other beach users,” she said.

“Over the school holidays council rangers increased their patrols at Red Beach and noted the high use of the area by dog owners.”

Councillor Koliana Winchester (Div 6) said Moreton Bay Regional Council were forced to protect the native wildlife. Picture: Bradley Cooper.

Dog owners will still be able to enter Red Beach at the access point off Tully St, but dogs will need to remain on-leash until the off-leash marker point further toward Woody Bay (east side).

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There are more than 60 council off and on-leash dogs areas in the region. Red Beach has become one of the most popular locations because of the 5km stretch of beach.

That will be reduced to 4km to reduce risk to wallabies and other wildlife.

Cr Winchester said Moreton Bay Regional Council would put up new signage in coming weeks to notify people of the change.

“To assist with awareness of the change in regulations, rangers will increase their presence at Red Beach during the rollout of new signage,” she said.

“The bottom line is whether a dog is on or off-leash, it is always the owner’s responsibility to maintain control of their animal.

“Sadly this hasn’t been happening at Red Beach and it’s our defenceless native wildlife that suffer terrible consequences.”

For more on the dog areas visit: moretonbay.qld.gov.au/animals/dog-parks.

New signage will be installed at Red Beach to notify the public of the changes.