Plans to open up Redland City’s top bayside beach park to dogs
Pampered pooches will be able to visit popular beaches at any time of day under new proposed laws by Redland City Council. FIND OUT WHICH ONE
Redlands Coast
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Pampered pooches may soon be able to visit one of the most popular beaches in southeast Queensland at any time of the day — but it will remain off limits to camels and donkeys.
Redland City Council is reviewing tight restrictions on dogs, and other animals including camels and donkeys, in public places across the city.
In a break with the past, the council on Wednesday moved to consult residents on whether to relax longstanding rules and allow dogs and other animals at reserves, parks, swimming beaches and other areas.
If the proposals go ahead and get the thumbs up from the public, dogs on leads will be allowed at any time at two of the city’s most popular locations — Wellington Point Reserve and Yeo Park at Victoria Point.
Currently, dogs are not allowed at the reserve between 9am and 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays but can walk on the sandbar between the reserve and King Island if they are kept on leads.
Under the new rules, dogs on leads will be allowed at the popular reserve beach at any time but will not be allowed to swim at any of the city’s bathing reserves or be within 10m of any playgrounds.
Redland City councillor Wendy Boglary said the rules would open up the “much loved” Wellington Point Reserve to responsible dog owners but hoped the city’s camel owners would not be too disappointed.
“Dog owners will love this but camel owners will still have to abide by the rules,” she said.
“Prior to 2010, dogs were not allowed at the reserve and I think this might attract day trippers.”
The public will also be asked about Boyd Park at Thorneside, Redland Bay Esplanade, Swamp Box at Capalaba, Yeo Park at Victoria Point and Wilson St at Victoria Point.
The council assessed all restrictions for areas across the city before asking for public opinion.
Off-leash areas for dogs to swim are at Raby Bay Foreshore Park; GJ Walter Park, Cleveland; Coochiemudlo Island, at set times; Home Beach at North Stradbroke Island in the area in front of Point Lookout Hotel; and Russell Island’s Lions Boulevard Park at set times.
Mayor Karen Williams said the rules had not been reviewed “for a long time” and the council wanted to make sure they were still appropriate.
She said restrictions would remain in areas where there was sensitive wildlife.
“We have many naturally wonderful public spaces and we want our community to be able to share these with their four-legged friends, where appropriate.”
Consultation opens on November 9 and closes on December 6.
Every suburb in the city has at least one dog off-leash area and most are signed and fenced and have poop disposal bags.
WELLINGTON POINT RESERVE
Dogs on leads will be allowed to walk at Wellington Point Reserve and, under the proposals will be allowed at the picnic area and playground and at the designated swimming beach.
Wellington Point Reserve is a major drawcard to the city with free barbecues, picnic benches and the point surrounded by coast on three sides.
It is a major spot for launching boats into Moreton Bay and for walking to King Island at low tide.
BETH BOYD PARK
Dogs will be allowed in the park area on Beth Boyd Park, Thorneside but not on the foreshore or seashore. The park is popular for being on a sandy beach and for its two play areas complete with slippery slides and covered barbecue areas.
REDLAND BAY ESPLANADE
Dogs will be allowed on the foreshore and seashore at Redland Bay Esplanade, Redland Bay, where Grey and Bay streets intersect.
Redland Bay has three dog off-leash parks one at Charlie Buckler Sportsfield on Boundary Street, another at Main Street and a foreshore walk at Talburpin Esplanade, Point Talburpin.
SWAMP BOX RESERVE CAPALABA
Dogs on leads will be allowed to walk at any time at Swamp Box, at Lyndon Rd, Capalaba.
YEO PARK
Dogs will be allowed at any time on lead at Yeo Park, Victoria Point; and on the seashore at the end of Wilson Street, Victoria Point.
Another great park is at Victoria Point’s Fodder Forest on Link Road.
HORSES
The foreshore and seashore in front of swimming enclosures in Redlands city will remain off limits to horses, camels and donkeys.
COOCHIEMUDLO AND ISLANDS
Main Beach and Russell Island’s Lions Park, dogs can have a splash on the beach but must remain on leads during the bird migration season.
