Crackdown on ‘selfish’ dog owners ignoring rules at Burleigh Heads National Park

Dog owners flouting the rules at a popular walking track have been slammed as ‘selfish’ for endangering native wildlife. Watch the video

Dog owners flouting the rules at a popular walking track have been slammed as “selfish” for endangering one of the Gold Coast’s last surviving urban koala populations.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers were forced to spray paint blaring “no dogs” signage at the entrance of the Oceanview Track, Burleigh Heads National Park.

But the crackdown has not deterred dog walkers who were filmed ignoring the obvious signage last weekend.

Domestic pets are banned from national parks because their presence and scent are enough to cause stress to native animals, and if off-leash, could chase and attack wildlife.

A person walking their dog at the Oceanview Track, Burleigh Heads National Park - where dogs are not allowed.

Burleigh locals told the Bulletin they were fed up with rule breakers using the Oceanview Track – which is an important habitat for the endangered koala.

“We do this walk almost every day and almost every day (somebody is flouting the rules),” one resident said.

“There are so many places they can walk their dogs here, it’s just selfish to do it in the one place our wildlife are supposed to have some protection.

“We’ve seen blow-ups about it but people don’t seem to care, they keep doing it anyway.”

Signage that recently appeared at the Oceanview Track, Burleigh Heads National Park.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman said those who take domestic pets into national parks could face a $143 on the spot fine.

“In response to recent community concerns, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers installed No Dogs signage on the track at the entrance to the Oceanview Track,” he said.

“We did this to assist in informing the community that dogs are banned in Burleigh Heads National Park, as they are in all national parks in Queensland.

“Since January 1, rangers have issued 40 fines to people for taking or keeping domestic animals in a national park in southeast Queensland.”

Dog ownership on the Gold Coast has steadily increased in recent years, partly due to the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

Oceanview Track, Burleigh Heads. Picture: Chantay Logan

A city council spokeswoman said there were about 68,000 dogs registered in 2020-21, compared to about 62,000 in 2018-19.

“There are currently 139 dog exercise areas across the city, with six of those areas covering almost five kilometres of beaches,” she said.

“Different rules apply to certain areas, please check the designated signs on arrival to ensure you are within the boundaries and are complying.

“Dogs are able to access any parks, reserves or trails unless signed as prohibited.”

A map of Gold Coast dog exercise areas can be found here.