Council starts dog off-leash trial on Brisbane beaches

Council has set a date for the start of its 12-month trial of dog off-leash areas on Brisbane beaches.

Dogs on leads while walking along the Sandgate waterfront. Picture: Renee McKeown

COUNCIL will start its trial of dog off-leash areas on Brisbane beaches from Saturday, October 12.

The 12-month trial will include the northern beaches at Sandgate/Shorncliffe and Nudgee Beach, as well as Manly in the south.

It follows years of petitions and requests to council as it is currently illegal to let dogs off leash on all Brisbane beaches.

Dexter is a good boy and is always on a leash when he goes for a walk along the Sandgate waterfront. But from October 12 he will be able to run on the beach without a lead. Picture: Renee McKeown

At Sandgate, the off-leash trial area will be from near Second Ave, Sandgate to the beach area in front of Lover’s Walk at Shorncliffe.

At Manly, the designated off-leash area will be at the end of Davenport Dr.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the designated dog off-leash areas had been selected to ensure dog owners could have a great time without disturbing migratory shorebirds, which visit Moreton Bay every year between September and April.

Cr Schrinner said information would be available to the local community about the new off-leash areas and the importance of protecting our natural habitat.

“There has been strong community interest in use of the foreshore, especially from dog owners, about how they can enjoy the area while considering the environment,” he said.

“Residents will soon see signage in the designated off-leash areas that will provide detailed information.

“Council will attend the foreshore regularly throughout the trial to speak to anyone who may wish to find out more information about the trial and the surrounding environment.”

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Cr Jared Cassidy (Deagon) said there would be community engagement during and after the trial.

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“There will be clear signage to identify the foreshore dog off-leash areas, an information kiosk at the location, an online community survey to gather information on the area and resident’s understanding of shorebirds and responsible dog behaviour, FAQs and links to related information available on the Council website,” he said.

“Following the trial there will be an additional online community survey to determine if there have been changes in community understanding and behaviour regarding shorebirds and responsible dog behaviour.”

Cr Cassidy said all locations in the trial must comply with strict Queensland Government standards in relation to the protection of shorebird habitat and other marine environmental values.

“Having a specific dog off-leash area means there can be greater protection of valuable migratory bird habitats along the rest of the foreshore,” Cr Cassidy said.

“People will be expected to observe the rules and these will be enforced.

“All of the responsibilities of dog owners will apply in this off-leash area as they do in fenced areas.

“I encourage local residents to engage in the survey process to ensure that all views are heard during and after this trial.”