City to trial new off leash area for dogs at Mermaid Beach-Broadbeach to cope with boom

An off-leash dog area on the cards for one of the Gold Coast’s most popular beaches to help meet the demands of the city’s pup population boom.

An off-leash dog area will be considered for one of the Gold Coast’s most popular beaches to help meet the demands of the city’s puppy population boom.

The Gold Coast has 154 dog off-leash facilities within its local government area but it needs more, according to a report to Tuesday’s council planning committee meeting.

It was revealed the Broadbeach-Mermaid Beach area, at the southern section fronting Pratten Park, would be considered in the New Year for a trial.

Area councillor Nick Marshall said the trial was considered after the issue surfaced among residents during the March local government elections.

“We are asking it to be extended to the water’s edge, at a time when there are not bathers.

Councillor Nick Marshall at the council chambers. Picture: John Gass.

The only other areas are The Spit and Currumbin – there is nothing in between,” he said.

Owners could take their dog off-leash on several hundred metres of beach before lifeguards began operating in the morning.

Other nearby areas were considered but ruled out including in front of the headland at Nobbys Beach.

The Mermaid Beach location benefits from having an off leash area in the foreshore park which has water containers and bins.

The City officer report provided new guidelines on creating off-leash dog parks.

“With a growing urban population of over 742,600 and a high level of dog ownership, the City faces pressure to continue to extend the service provision of dog off-leash facilities,” officers said.

“It is estimated that approximately 141,000 dogs reside in the city, with 68,394 currently being registered.”

Dog off leash signage at The Spit. Photo: David Clark.

The new guidelines were backed by councillors which attempt to map out new off-leash dog areas close to the biggest puppy populations and where conflict will not occur with other users.

Mr Marshall had asked officers about the progress of an application for a time restricted trial for a new Broadbeach-Mermaid Beach site.

The site would be considered as part of an update in the New Year where community feedback could be assessed, officers said.

“I think that particular location, there are some challenges being in that beach vicinity,” an officer said.

The report said the Coast out of all southeast Queensland cities has the best ratio of dog enclosures to pets.

The City has one off-leash area per 444 dogs, which compares to one to 700 in Brisbane, and one to 1222 on the Sunshine Coast.

Officers said the new guidelines must balance equitable access to dog off-leash areas across the city with protection of natural habitats and wildlife.

Gold Coast City Council is reviewing its dog off leash areas. The City is experiencing a boom in its pet population. The top picture is at The Spit.

The guidelines would ensure the suitability of proposed locations and minimises future risks or conflicts. It also considers future growth and emerging community needs while ensuring the effective management of our off-leash areas.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates has urged officers to look at “shortening the process in the future” so reviews were not limited to once a year.

She said an area had been approved in her division and the lapse of time in developing the park had led to many objections when it was finally built close to homes.

Councillors raised operational concerns including dog water containers being placed outside park fencing and lack of nearby bins for dog users.

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Originally published as City to trial new off leash area for dogs at Mermaid Beach-Broadbeach to cope with boom