Off-leash dog area trial starts at beach near Pratten Park on Gold Coast

A controversial trial to allow dogs off-leash at one of the Gold Coast’s most popular beaches has begun. SEE WHAT LOCALS HAD TO SAY

A three-month trial of a controversial plan to turn one of the Gold Coast’s most popular beaches into an off-leash dog area has begun.

The trial will see a 320m stretch of beach next to Pratten Park in Broadbeach become an off-leash dog area from 5am to 7am and 5pm to 7pm daily.

Gold Coast councillor Nick Marshall said the trial would run until September 30, which was outside lifeguard patrol times.

“There isn’t a lifeguard service in that area between May and November,” he said.

“(It will be) early mornings and late afternoons so we’re hoping to have the least amount of impact to people who don’t want to be a part of the trial but also allow those who want to take their dog off-leash to be on the beach before and after work.”

The trial was considered after a number of residents raised the issue at local council elections last year.

“A number of people had spoken to me (about the issue) long before I had been elected and it had been an issue previously as well,” Mr Marshall said.

“The ease with which we were able to do this is because it’s an established off-leash dog park and we have taken the eastern boundary from the dunes down to the waters edge for those four hours a day.”

Cr Nick Marshall with his dog Bowie, a six-year-old Cavoodle, waiting for 5pm to go off leash at the new off leash trial area at Broadbeach. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

But the trial has divided locals with most residents supportive of the plan but others concerned it would create parking issues, overcrowd beaches and dog owners wouldn’t clean up after their pets.

“We had 350 submissions that were in favour so the community has a strong support for it,” Mr Marshall said.

“There were people that weren’t in support of it and I completely understand that and that is why we are doing the trial to see how things go.

“A number of people said you couldn’t do it because this could happen or that may happen but let’s do a trial and see what actually does happen and then let’s put things in place to see whether it could happen continuously or seasonally.”

There are currently 165 dog off leash areas in the Gold Coast local government area but a report to council in October last year stated it needed more.

Of those 165 areas, three are on Gold Coast beaches – at The Spit, Tallebudgera Beach and Palm Beach.

Council officers will increase monitoring in the area and undertake community consultation during the trial.

Cr Nick Marshall with his dog Bowie. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

WHAT READERS SAID ON SOCIAL MEDIA

What a disaster … it’s bad enough with a lead. Who would want to go to the beach and sit in dog excrement? What about the babies and kids that frequent the beach? There is an alarming number of dog attacks on the Gold Coast, averaging one attack per day. I own a dog and understand that some people prefer not to be around them. Liana Taylor

Responsible owners are not the issue but off-leash areas unfortunately attract irresponsible owners who let their dogs wreak havoc and never ever have any intention of picking up after them. Calvin Swain

I don’t mind. Ninety-nine per cent are responsible pet owners. Sue-Ellen Tawhera

Dogs are not the problem. It is the lazy, irresponsible owners who do not clean up after their dogs … and burying the poo in the sand is not cleaning up. Keelan Karen

Fantastic news. The dog beach at The Spit works great, no issues, everyone (is) respectful. It will help great for people not have travel so far. It will be great for all the responsible dog owners who actually take their dogs out for exercise. I always thought having dogs on leads all time mean. They deserve to have a good run and a swim. This is great news and 10 years over due. Kirsty Strowger

Fantastic news especially with growth in Highrises comes growth in dog ownership. Dogs deserve to run and play and it makes perfect sense to give them space and time before the flags go up. Plenty of beach for everyone. Mona Hecke

Originally published as Off-leash dog area trial starts at beach near Pratten Park on Gold Coast