Dog owners face major beach shake-up as council locks in 20-year plan
Dog owners face sweeping new beach bans across one of Queensland’s most popular tourist areas with rocky foreshores also now ruled off limits amid environment and Indigenous groups’ concerns.
Sunshine Coast Council has signalled dog owners face further restrictions after adopting a radical 20-year plan to govern access to beaches and protect key coastlines.
But the council has also promised to develop new off-leash dog parks across the region.
Under the plan adopted by the council on Thursday, dogs will be banned from rocky foreshores at Point Perry, Point Arkwright, Point Cartwright, Moffat Headland and Caloundra Headland.
The bans follow concerns about impact on the environment, migratory shorebirds and concerns raised by local Indigenous groups.
The move follows controversial changes at Pt Cartwright last year with the area facing a total ban from July next year.
The shake-up for the region’s 54,000 dogs, which are expected to grow in number to 80,000 in the next 20 years, follows more than 2300 submissions from the public and four petitions.
Former Sunshine Coast mayoral candidate, rugby league and surf club identity Ashley Robinson on Friday blasted the new restrictions, accusing the council of punishing the majority of responsible dog owners for the actions of a small number.
Mr Robinson said while he was ‘easily confused’ many of the bans did not make any sense, questioning how they would even be enforced. “I’m really confused.’’
The council admitted it had halved dog patrol teams and handed out just 112 fines last year after the State Government increased them to a whopping $800.
Dog lovers at Stumers Creek north Coolum have had a major win with only minor changes to require dogs to stay on their leads 10m from east of the carpark entry to the creek.
At Currimundi Lake, the report argued the conflict between picnickers, swimmers, and dogs had become too great with dogs to be banned from crossing the lake mouth.
However, the off-leash area to the south would remain, with a new 50m buffer added to protect the flagged bathing reserve at Dicky Beach.
“Can someone explain to me the difference between Stumers Creek and Currimundi Lake?’’ Mr Robinson asked.
At Shelly Beach, there will be minor changes with the reinstatement of 150m of sandy beach at northern end of the beach for seasonal, timed off-leash access.
At Maroochy North Shore near Mudjimba, to protect migratory shorebirds, a seasonal closure was introduced for a 500m stretch of beach between October and April.
To compensate for this loss, a new off-leash area was proposed for Mudjimba Beach South.
At Currimundi/Ballinger Beach there will be an adjustment to the southern off-leash boundary to increase off-leash provision for an additional 50m south of the beach access (261) ramp, aligning with the Dicky Beach bathing reserve.
The off-leash provision from Robe St (256) to Gothic Parade (255) at Currimundi beach will also be retained.
At Alexandra Headland, changes will prohibit dog access north of beach access 164, the report said.
The plan proposes the establishment of 22 new dog off-leash park facilities, upgrades to eight existing sites and the installation of improved signage across the region.
The plan also introduces a new dog off-leash beach area and the provision of beach wash-down showers.
Once implemented the total number of dog parks and beach sites available for public use will increase to 69.
DOGS STILL HAVE ACCESS TO 34KM OF COASTLINE
During a debate spanning more than an hour, councillors overwhelmingly endorsed the plan, which they said responded to the wishes of dog owners, while maintaining the need to protect the sensitive environment areas and ensure public safety.
They pointed out it would give access to 34.3km of council-managed coastline – 73 per cent of the region’s total 47.1km of beaches.
In comparison, Noosa had 9km, Moreton Bay 8.5km while the off-leash area on the Gold Coast was just 3km.
‘I WANT TO SEE DATA AND I DON’T SEE THAT’
Councillor Terry Landsberg was only one to speak out against the plan, questioning where dog owners who used areas like Moffat Beach and Pt Cartwright would go.
“I have a lot of concerns about this report,’’ Mr Landsberg said, describing it as a “legacy report of the previous council” based on little real data.
The report did not specify how many migratory shorebirds were at risk, however an earlier study put the number in one area in the Maroochy River tidal flats, which is well away from a dog beach, at just 137 on average.
Mr Landsberg said areas like Moffat Beach were already well self-regulated, while he said as a longtime surfer of the area the number of shorebirds he could “count on one hand”.
“We are moving too quickly. We are banning dogs from significant (areas).
“With regards to the impact to the environment, I want to see data and I don’t see that.’’
The council heard the new dog parks, which are still be acquired and funded, would be a minimum of three hectares in size, and include waterplay and washdown facilities, carparking, shelters and lights.
Councillor Joe Natoli, who faced fire over his support of the Pt Cartwright bans, said the council plan had got the balance right in “fairness and safety”.
“We have thousands of residents and visitors who want to enjoy (areas) without dogs,’’ he said.
He said while dogs were part of many families, they could lead to erosion, environment disturbances, impacts on shore birds and nesting turtles.
“This plan is not about choosing one group over another.’’
“This is about balance between recreation and conservation.’’
MORE RESTRICTIONS LOOMING IN FUTURE
The council heard there would be more restrictions in the future, including bans on dogs in some environmental reserves.
Councillor Christian Dickson who spoke out against changes at Pt Cartwright, said his views had changed somewhat since becoming a dad with him concerned about offleash dogs at parks near children.
He said while most people did the right thing, a minority spoiled it for others.
Mr Dickson said the council needed to ‘do better’ with the provision of dog parks, given the example of a small dog park in the Harmony estate at Palmview.
Councillor David Law said if the council did not do more to protect the environment in the face of rapid population growth, there was a real possibility of the extinction of animals that people loved.
“What we need to do is protect our special places so we can enjoy all of our animals into the future,” he said.
But he said the plan was a good compromise which he hoped would limit the need for a big stick approach.
“We do not need to have enforcement and $800 fines,” Mr Law said.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli urged councillors to support the plan, which would require changes to a local law that would be made next year.
Ms Natoli said the council and staff had listened to “thousands” of submissions while her office had responded to more than 150 emails to herself on the issue.
“They were robust to say the least. It is a very emotive topic,” she said.
“What happened there is we listened to our community.
“This report is balanced. It is fair.
“It is a reflection of our future needs, our current needs.”
Councillor Maria Suarez, who moved for the approval of the plan, reminded councillors the plan was not just about beaches but the sustainability of the whole region.
“This decision is not about one beach. It is a regional plan,” she said.
“We face population growth. We face pressures on our public spaces.
“This plan is not based on anecdotes or opinions. It is evidence based.”
Every councillor voted in favour, with Cr Landsberg the only one to oppose the changes.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE DECISION
There have been more than 400 comments on the Sunshine Coast Daily’s Facebook page in relation to the council decision, most condemning the changes. The mayor Rosanna Natoli did her own post saying the retention of Stumers Creek as an off-leash area was an example of council listening to the community. “Your feedback continues to shape Council decisions – we are listening!” Ironically she did not allow comments on her post, as is her standard practice now.
Jonathan Sebastian
Roughly 190,000 people on the Coast live in dog-owning homes, about half the population. Council elections are not until March 2028, and apathy island being what it is, most will forget by then. But never mess with the largest voting group. Dog owners could cost them all their jobs. They are literally biting the hand that feeds them. Imagine even half of those owners marching on the chambers, that would send a message they could not ignore.
Kirk Muddle
We got our Mayor on 27.45% of primary vote
Division 4 got the other Natoli on 51% of the primary vote
We know we can at least have one Natoli-ectomy with ease
Julieanne Brown
Dog parks can be great but many dogs behave differently in dog parks and most behaviourists advise against them. Space and confinement leads quickly to attacks. Especially when owners aren’t observant. Beaches suit dogs and owners benefit from the exercise.
Gary Thompson
Dogs will not be permitted anywhere soon. Lived here since 2007, and been bush walking almost every weekend I would say I’ve seen 2 koalas and possibly 15 kangaroos and around 200 Goanna’s in almost 20 years of walking bush trails, not a lot of wildlife out there.
When you ask environmentalist, why dogs are not permitted on leash they say they scare the wildlife. Not seen one dog on all the trails I’ve walk, so it ain’t the dogs scarring the wildlife away. The one place that I can walk my dogs on leash and it’s permitted, I see probably 5 to 10 kangaroos every time. So as I say it ain’t the dogs scarring away the wildlife
Sharron Lachlan
Oh FFS I am not taking my dog to a dog park, he loves the beach and minds his own business and rarely interacts with other dogs he just loves digging for crabs.
Dave John
Love how some dog owners think the world revolves around them
Lared Jawlor
Soon you’ll have to register your dog for a digital Id so it can legally take a shit in pre approved areas
Guy Martin
Simple, control your dogs (don’t let them approach people who don’t like it) then the council’s won’t have to regulate.
Wendy Wager
Seriously most owners do the right thing. Dogs should be allowed some beach areas to enjoy.
Desley Law
They should make the new exercise areas first before banning areas
Paul Fillery
Maybe start by banning them from Bunnings.
Tracey Juniper
I only go on holiday to the Sunshine Coast with my dog to visit the beaches
Bec Craig
Leave it the way it is. Dogs are better than most humans.
Lauren Kaszick
Fantastic news!!! Thank you council.
Mini Moos
Love having no dogs around in beautiful public spaces
Robbie Byrne
I’ve been bitten twice by random dogs on the beach after a surf. I’m all for this
Jeff Taylor
I won’t be paying rego then … good one Joe Natoli …
Ki Ki
As if. Good luck enforcing that.
Tarin Field
Bribie next
Shane Gresinger
The SS are becoming strong.
Jo Priestley
It’s a shame the council doesn’t put the same parameters in for uncontrolled teens and ebikes/scooters and squatters.
Shane Hinsley
Simple don’t vote Joe Natoli again
Dimi Chris
We need dog beaches not more parks! Seawater is for all living beings not only for humans
Barbara Winch
Could we have some child free beaches too please. I don’t like kids, I much prefer dogs. As long as their owners pick up after them.
Kerrie Andrew
The beaches in Australia belong to the people not the council.
Shane Beneke
Council out of touch with reality as to what we the people want and do what they want as per usual. dogs are a lot cleaner than most.
Vicki Derrick
It’s simple if you don’t like dogs don’t go to a dog beach and dog owners need to make sure their animal is under control and pick up their business and bin it its not rocket science people anyway my dog identifies as a human
Scott Michael
Rosanna Natoli. Doing her best to rid the coast of dogs. Responsible dog owners don’t let their dogs on the foreshore near the birds nests.
Gary Jasch
Maybe we should investigate councillors spending on travel and expenses first. Why do they think family beaches come at the expense of family pets
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Originally published as Dog owners face major beach shake-up as council locks in 20-year plan
