The little known council law causing confusion in the CBD
An obscure Cairns Regional Council bylaw may see dog owners cop a fine for walking their dog in the city. See the map.
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A little known Cairns Regional Council bylaw banning dogs in the CBD has some local pooch owners scratching their heads and left others barking mad.
A review into local laws will see harsher penalties for dog owners who let their pups run wayward; however, an existing ban on dogs in the CBD is set to remain despite a high demand for dog-friendly spaces in the area.
Since at least 2011, dogs have been banned in public within the area encompassing Aplin St – McLeod St – Spence St – Sheridan St – Wharf St – Esplanade (excluding the north eastern footpath adjacent to the Esplanade) and at the lagoon, surrounding parklands and along the pier.
Dog owners who disobey this rule may be slapped with on-the-spot fines of up to $309 and could face prosecution penalties of up to $3096.
However, council’s director of planning, growth and sustainability Ed Johnson said the council “emphasises education as the initial step” when patrolling the area.
“Where breaches of the local law occur, our officers will speak to the offender and advise them of the regulations allowing the opportunity to comply with requirements,” Mr Johnson said.
“We have issued fines where this approach has been unsuccessful and there have been repeat breaches of the local law.”
Many residents, businesses and tourists appear unaware of the law and are confused by the current warnings and restriction notices.
Wharf One cafe owner Peter Crotty had no idea his dog-friendly cafe neighboured the restricted zone.
“So many people walk their dogs down here, I’m sure a lot of the local dog owners don’t know either,” Mr Crotty said.
A Maitland tourist unlawfully walking his partner’s dog along the pier was confused by the zone’s boundaries.
“I just assumed it was for the lagoon,” he said and suggested a map would make things clearer.
A proposed amendment to council bylaws would see the prohibited areas advertised on the council website with maps and descriptions.
Tablelands Regional Council is the only neighbouring council to also ban dogs in its CBD. Cities like Townsville, Mackay and Brisbane allow dogs on a leash while in town.
Canine enthusiast Mike, who withheld his last name for fear of retribution, said he goes everywhere with his two golden retrievers and is infuriated by the ban.
“It’s bull****,” Mike said.
“If your dogs are well-trained, I don’t see why they can’t be with you.”
Mr Johnson said the ban was implemented to “uphold public amenity, cleanliness and safety” in these high traffic areas.
He suggested dog owners who wish to bring their furry friends into the city make use of the nearby designated off-leash areas.
Cats and service animals, including dogs, are not banned from the city but some restrictions still remain for assistance dogs.
Submissions are open until Wednesday September 13 and can be sent to locallawsreview@cairns.qld.gov.au, or by post to Local Law Review, PO Box 359, Cairns, QLD, 4870.
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