Unhappy dog owners will express their concerns about proposed beach restrictions at a key meeting this weekend.
Locals have already shared mixed views, via social media, about Sunshine Coast Council’s draft plan that includes more parks but less beach space for dogs.
A council spokesperson said the draft Dog Exercise Area Plan and Network Blueprint, which is being discussed at several pop-up information sessions around the region, was created for multiple reasons.
“Council developed the plan using detailed assessment tools to evaluate factors such as environmental impact, cultural heritage protection, public safety and accessibility,” they said.
On Thursday the council announced it had extended the window to provide feedback on the plan by a week, to March 7, after requests from residents.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli last week said the plan was designed to “meet the needs of dog owners, while respecting our region’s environmental and community values”.
Several people have voiced their support for the plan on social media but there is also plenty of opposition.
Aggrieved locals will, on Saturday, be among those to attend a meeting at popular Stumers Creek, where a 1km off-leash stretch of sand is proposed to become on-leash.
The event was planned by the quickly formed Save Stumers Creek Off Leash Dog Beach Committee.
A group spokesperson said the gathering would focus on “the future of off-leash areas on the Sunshine Coast, specifically Stumers Creek”.
“This will be a valuable opportunity to hear directly from residents, local pet owners and community leaders about the importance of maintaining these spaces.
“It will also provide insight into the broader community’s perspective on off-leash areas and the proposed changes.”
A petition opposing the draft plan, on change.org, has been signed by more than 3000 people in less than two weeks.
For more local news videos SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel. Just click here.
Group founder Bree Logie, who owns rescue dogs, said a survey was also being taken and another petition would be submitted to council requesting more time for locals to review the draft plan.
“We believe awareness of it is lacking,” she said.
“Our group is helping to spread the word and would like to petition council to buy us more time to review their 124-page document and offer balanced suggestions and solutions.”
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
Ms Logie said dogs needed wide open spaces to roam.
“Council plans to build more fenced dog parks but dogs can become more reactive in small spaces and go into flight or fight response. Additionally, dogs on leash can be more reactive. Off-leash areas set a strong foundation for calmer and more balanced dogs.”
She said off-leash dog beaches brought people together.
“That community spirit cannot be captured as a statistic, from behind a desk,” she said.
“We would like to see councillors and the mayor walk and talk with us, to feel this vibe of young and old, disabled, locals and outsiders enjoying these beautiful off-leash spaces.”
She advocated for more council dog training programs and signage that could educate owners on how to control dogs at off-leash beaches.
She also said dogs did not have a significant adverse impact on the environment.
“Most dog owners are nature lovers and you will find early walkers collecting rubbish,” she said, before suggesting foxes and children caused more damage.
“Your rarely see dogs in the dunes or attacking wildlife. I have not seen it in 20 years.”
The proposed change at Stumers Creek includes an off-leash area – from just north of the creek to well south of it – becoming on-leash.
An area further north of the creek would remain off-leash but Ms Logie said it was difficult to access for some people.
“(The proposal) is not inclusive for the elderly, children or small dogs, especially when the tide is raging and rocks are exposed,” she said.
“It is quite a remote national park area with no facilities (toilets) and is quite hazardous in the event of an emergency. When the tide is high it will force large volumes of off-leash dogs and owners into the national park area.”
Councillor Maria Suarez said council would take all opinions into account regarding the future of Stumers Creek.
“Council is receiving some very well constructed and considered feedback on the plan,” she said.
“Various views have been presented and we welcome all these views, which are often based on an individual’s experiences and desires.”
Meanwhile, Lindy Rogers, of Caloundra West, is urging the council not to follow through with the proposed dog ban at access point 261, at Ballinger Beach, Currimundi.
Ms Rogers said that entry, which has a ramp, was crucial for people with disabilities and older people who have dogs.
“I am a very private person and value my privacy but this is so important to the quality of my life that I have been forced to go public, so I can enjoy a dog beach and to rally for other disabled or elderly dog owners who can’t speak up,” she said.
The council spokesperson said people with disabilities and the elderly would be provided with more options at dog parks.
“Given the dynamic nature of our coastline, coastal hazards and coastal erosion risk, it is not feasible to provide an accessible beach location for off-leash dog activity,” they said.
“The draft plan proposes a network of accessible dog off-leash provisions through the future delivery of the dog exercise areas.”
The spokesperson emphasised that the public would help shape the final plan.
“Community feedback gathered through the Have Your Say platform will be invaluable in helping strike the right balance and create a blueprint that truly reflects the values of our community,” they said.
Council is hosting 18 pop-up information sessions at parks and beaches around the region. One was held at Stumers Creek on Wednesday, another will be held at Ballinger Beach on February 26. See council’s website for a full list of sessions.
