Gold Coasters are divided about dog regulations, forcing City to review access to all public areas

Some dog owners are demanding more pet friendly areas while others are opposed to aggressive larger breeds being on Gold Coast beaches or in parks, new feedback shows. FULL LIST OF PROPOSED CHANGES.

Council is facing a doggie dilemma, with residents split over where pooches should be allowed.

The City of Gold Coast has finished public consultation on dog prohibitive areas at locations including Palm Beach Parklands and the Botanical Gardens at Benowa, and opening up off-leash areas at Broadbeach Beach.

However, the feedback was so divided that animal management laws will be under constant review.

Apartment owners in the north of the coastal strip are campaigning for more off-leash areas but some in the south at Palm Beach claim unrestrained pets are creating ‘third world’ scenes at creeks.

Planning committee chair Mark Hammel said officers considered the impact on the environment, noise levels for residents and playgrounds when investigating a new dog off-leash areas.

“It’s something we put a lot of work into to make sure that these are appropriate designed and appropriately placed,” he said.

Deputy Gold Coast Mayor Mark Hammel updating on changes to animal management control and dog laws.

Mr Hammel said he was pleased area councillor Nick Marshall was successful in getting a 12-week trial for a new off leash area at Broadbeach Beach, despite council officers recommending against it.

“That’s why we have a political wing,” Mr Hammel said. The trial will be conducted across three months before a final decision is made.

“I think that’s why you are seeing why the Animal Control Register is being reviewed annually.

“We are a growing city, and we are also one of the most of popular cities for dog ownership. Dog ownership moves. So in different parts of the city we have higher densities of dogs in areas. Not every suburb is the same.”

Mr Hammel acknowledged the differing views at Palm Beach where residents voiced concerns about the parklands and a majority rejected opening up an off-leash area near the Dune Cafe.

“Palm Beach has a much higher density in a small area. We welcome the input of locals into that,” he said.

Regular Parklands visitor Fernanda Rockert said she hoped the estuary would remain open to pets, allowing her dogs Nala and Cooper to have a safe swimming area.

Fernanda Rockert from Palm Beach with her dogs Nala, 10 years, and Cooper, 13 years. Picture: Annette Dew.

“It is beautiful. I love the area. It is very calm,” she said.

“I don’t think it should change. My dogs are always playful and run around. It’s great that they have that bit of the river to swim in.”

In a report, council officers said there were 84 submissions in support of revoking the dog prohibited area, which included people who hoped to enjoy food from the café with their family, including their dogs.

But there were 83 submissions not supporting opening up the area for dogs, with submitters concerned about potential odour nuisance from dog urine and owners not cleaning up pet droppings.

“Discussions with Animal Management and the Councillor have concluded that although the current designations at Palm Beach Parklands are not ideal, the proposed solution does not accurately address community expectations, and that additional engagement is required,” officers said.

Another recommendation was to reject having a new dog prohibitive area in the City’s Botanical Gardens at Benowa.

While the move would have given added protection to the environment, the downside was preventing walking access for nearby neighbours.

Bianca Andersen with her two dogs Bailey (black) and Lily (Tan) at The Spit. Picture: Mike Batterham.

AREAS WHERE CITY OFFICERS RECOMMENDED DOGS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED OFF LEASH

* Hollywell Foreshore, James Cook Esplanade, Hollywell — 58 for, 158 against.

* Torrevella Vista Park, East Quay Drive, Biggera Waters — 57 for, 70 against.

* Stringybark Drive Park, Highcrest Circuit, Molendinar — 11 for, 13 against.

* Broadbeach Beach, between Tower 26 and 27, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach — 319 for, 83 against. Officer recommendation was overturned by councillor vote supporting 3-month trial.

* Pioneer Downs Park, Vince Hinde Drive, Worongary — 23 for, 83 against.

* Palm Beach Parklands, Gold Coast Highway — 83 for, 84 against.

A "Dogs Prohibited" sign at the south end of Station Beach, opposite Palm Beach. Picture: Dylan Robinson.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ACROSS SUBURBS

O’Reilly Park, Coomera: Fenced off area will be moved slightly west.

Phil Hill Environmental Park, Paradise Point: Concerns about osprey nests, but majority want off leash area to remain so dogs have access to water.

Harbour Town North Park, Biggera Waters: Strong community support backs off leash area.

Torrevella Vista Park, Biggera Waters: Super majority not support fenced dog off leash area.

Harry Bond Park, Southport: Hours of dog off leash area will change and be later for winter — 6am to 8am and 4pm to 6pm.

Stringybark Drive Park, Molendinar: New off leash dog area not supported due to noise.

Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens, Benowa: New dog prohibited area which protects environment not supported because it would limit access of residents from nearby properties.

The popular dog beach at Tallebudgera, north of the flagged area. Picture: Mike Batterham.

Pioneer Downs Park, Worongary: Reducing existing dog off leash area not supported but will be revisited with future community consultation.

Broadbeach Beach, Broadbeach: Officers rejected new off leash area concerned about impact on turtle nests, aggression to lifeguards from owners and heavy machinery on beach for sand, but overturned by councillor vote.

Palm Beach Parklands, Palm Beach: Proposal to revoke the dog prohibited area in front of the Dune Cafe grass, but rejected after concerns raised about odour and behaviour of dogs.

Betty Diamond Sporting Complex, Tugun: Proposed new dog prohibited area on the main field, but feedback was it has not been used for elite level football, so ban not supported.

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Originally published as Gold Coasters are divided about dog regulations, forcing City to review access to all public areas