‘Extremely disappointing’: Locals outraged at council’s decision to ban dogs from popular beach

Residents near a popular beach are clashing over new rules to ban dogs from some areas of the beautiful waters and local bushland.

Sunshine Coast residents continue to be divided as dog owners fight for unrestricted access to one of their beloved beaches.

The Point Cartwright Reserve, set within five hectares of beach and natural bushland, is a spot brimming with dog walkers and their furry friends.

However, some residents strongly oppose the idea of dogs being allowed at the reserve.

Locals have said on occasions the disputes between the two groups have turned ugly.

Five dogs were reportedly put down last year after a suspected poisonings at the reserve.

The Sunshine Coast Council decided to ban dogs from sections of the reserve in a push to “preserve the environmental and cultural significance of the area for future generations”.

Golden Retriever Owners and Lovers group meet up for a fun day of play in the sand and waters of Carties Beach. Picture: Supplied

“This arrangement seeks to strike a balance between reasonable community expectations, environmental preservation and long-term sustainability,” a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said.

In the community consultation held in September and October, the council received 1720 submissions, of which 73 per cent disagreed with the move.

Point Cartwright is a stunning spot where beaches meet the Mooloolah River. Picture: Supplied

Two local dog walking groups, Sunshine Coast Bow Wows and Sunshine Coast Golden Retriever Owners and Lovers, are hot on the heels of council to “stop the madness” and abandon the changes.

“With a massive heavy heart, today was our last golden retriever meet-up (legally or for a while) at Point Cartwright,” a member of the Golden Retriever Facebook group wrote on Sunday.

One community member, unhappy about the changes council have in place, commented: ‘It has been a special place in my week for close to 3 years’. Picture: Supplied

Another agreed, commenting, “It’s very sad indeed – such a lovely spot.”

Sunshine Coast Bow Wows member Vivienne Williams said the changes were “extremely disappointing”.

“We want the whole Northern Beach. To have full access, Monday to Sunday 4PM - 8AM, (it’s a) simple request,” she said.

Dogs are permitted off leash at times and locations indicated on signage. Picture: Supplied

However, council says staff are increasingly copping verbal abuse, which has resulted in their call out to police for help.

With police set to patrol the shores on weekends, they will be enforcing the new rules to ensure locals are sticking to the changes.

Ms Williams has denied the claims.

“It’s a beat up, to say they feel unsafe is a total over-reaction,” she said.

Council say the changes at Carties Beach are a temporary arrangement during a “transitional phase” until June 30, 2025.

It’s offered a compromise, with the north-facing beach intended for “mixed use”, allowing dogs off-leash between the hours of 4pm-8am Monday to Friday.

Spirited Point Cartwright walkers are calling to other local members to take to the streets to show their disapproval of the changes made to the bylaws. Picture: Supplied

Dogs are required to be on-leash at all other times and are prohibited in certain areas on weekends.

La Balsa Park is already a dog on-leash area only.

Ms Williams told A Current Affair that council’s offer was “an insult” due to the lack of clarity around the temporary rules.

“It’s only until June 2025 and then what happens after that,” Ms Williams said.

A spokesperson for the Sunshine Coast Council said: “New signage will be installed to inform our community of the changes and Council officers will undertake an education program to support the community in understanding the new changes”.

The new laws will come into effect on December 22.

Originally published as ‘Extremely disappointing’: Locals outraged at council’s decision to ban dogs from popular beach