Petition organised to stop Bayside Council from banning dogs all summer at Ricketts Point South Marine Sanctuary (Life Saving Club – Dalgetty Rd)
Bayside locals are barking mad over a plan to ban dogs from a Beaumaris beach in summer — slamming the council for blindsiding them.
South East
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Dogs could be banned from a Bayside beach during summer, under changes to a local council’s pets policy.
Bayside council is reviewing its Domestic Animal Management Plan and changes could see dogs banned from parts of Ricketts Point in Beaumaris in the summer.
Currently, the LGA’s almost 12,800 pooches can parade along the Ricketts Point South Marine Sanctuary (Life Saving Club – Dalgetty Rd) off leash between 7.30pm and 10am during summer and at all times in winter.
But the proposal would see man’s best friend banned entirely in summer.
Resident Mark Clair, who has been taking his dogs to the beach for more than 28 years, said he was disappointed to see the proposed changes.
“There’s a beautiful little community down there of dog walkers. We all meet every morning and every afternoon. And we really care for that stretch of beach. We keep it very, very clean,” he said.
The 70-year-old said the beach offered a place for dogs and owners to relax.
“It’s just a perfect little quiet area. You don’t get many swimmers there, and it’s a great spot to walk the dogs, and the dogs need to be able to get off lead to be able to run freely and socially,” he said.
Resident Taryn Bakes said the community was disappointed in the “complete lack of transparency” from council regarding off-leash dog areas.
“They’re saying they are managing the needs of community and environment but then they’re not listening to the community — they’re doing it behind our backs,” she said, adding she only found out about the change by chatting to others at local dog parks.
A community survey on the council’s website regarding off-leash restrictions on beaches received almost 1800 responses, with 30 per cent saying they didn’t see a need for a change at Ricketts Point.
A further 26 per cent said they thought there should either be no restrictions or very similar to the current restrictions, while 36 per cent didn’t believe dogs should be allowed off leash or at all.
Ms Bakes said Bayside area had an “ageing demographic” and council needed to consider the health conditions of its residents.
“As a council, they should be thinking about the health benefits of our community, particularly important for the ageing resident, and for some, the only reason to leave their house is actually to walk their dog. So it’s just really disappointing,” she said.
An online petition to protect Bayside’s off-leash dog beaches has drawn more than 700 signatures in less than a week.
The campaign argues beaches and parks are essential for dogs to exercise and socialise, and dog-friendly zones are a key part of daily life in the area.
“Local surveys indicate that over 60 per cent of residents own dogs, and near 75 per cent support maintaining or even expanding current off-leash areas,” it states.
It claims, off-leash beach access is as a necessity not a “luxury” in high-density suburbs, where backyards are shrinking and parks cannot offer the same space and stimulation.
“Reducing these areas impacts not just dogs but the families who cherish these outings as part of their lifestyle,” it says.
The petition urges council to consider alternatives, including time-based off-leash rules, partnerships with environmental groups to protect sensitive areas, and increased ranger patrols to ensure compliance.
“These measures can maintain the delicate balance between enjoying natural spaces and preserving them for future generations.”
The Domestic Animal Management Plan proposal initially went to the council’s May meeting but was deferred as councillors wanted to get more community feedback.
It will be considered again at the August 18 meeting.
Sandringham Harbour and Sandown Street Beach in Brighton as well as Ricketts Point ( McGregor Avenue to Beaumaris Yacht Club) are expected to remain off-leash at all times.
