Point Cartwright and La Balsa master plan backlash

Sunshine Coast pet owners have expressed their disappointed at the proposed restrictions for a popular locals hotspot at Point Cartwright.

Residents demand La Balsa Park and Point Cartwright Reserve to continue to be a dog friendly area. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Sunshine Coast dog owners are in uproar this week after a council proposal to limit the spaces available to Buddina’s four-legged friends.

The draft master plan for the Point Cartwright Reserve and La Balsa Park was released by the Sunshine Coast Council to outline how the natural environments would be cared for over the next two decades.

Included in the draft is a number of changes to the current dog restrictions in the areas around La Balsa Park and Point Cartwright.

The proposed changes would mean the only off-leash dog areas would be along the beach, meaning the rocky foreshore and north facing beach at Point Cartwright would be completely dog-free.

Proposed changes to the dog zones at Point Cartwright and La Balsa Park.

Buddina resident Roger Bayzand said due to mobility issues he and his dog, Cheica, would be unable to use the off-leash areas on the beach the same way they have enjoyed the current off-leash zone.

“It is the only level pathway that I know of that allows dogs of leash,” Mr Bayzand said.

“We really enjoy our walks down there and we have mobility issues so we can’t get onto the beach, it really isn’t an option for us.

“I’m really disappointed and really quite angry that this has been suggested.”

Roger Bayzand opposes the proposed changes to the dog restrictions at Point Cartwright.

La Balsa Park regular Raylee Hudson Murdoch said the current off-leash dog spaces were important in maintaining the mental and physical health of the community.

“I am a regular at the La Balsa Park and out to the point to walk around the rocks and I've never seen the area being used irresponsibly by other dog owners,” Ms Hudson Murdoch said.

“I've also seen people with a disability doing this walk with their carers and the joy I see on their faces when they come into contact with the friendly dogs along the way is just priceless.

“I would urge council to listen to its community and not undertake disingenuous consultation with a foregone conclusion.”

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesman said pet access is proposed to remain with pets on-leash at Point Cartwright and La Balsa Park, as well as the proposed off-leash beach area, in order to balance the needs of area.

“The draft master plan is a vision for the future that aims to guide the balance between the area‘s ongoing protection and management of precious cultural heritage, its unique ecology and environment, while meeting the needs of the community who visit and use this area,” the spokesman said.

Public submissions on the proposed plan close on Sunday, July 2.

Originally published as Point Cartwright and La Balsa master plan backlash