Dog off-leash areas targeted for audit, not closure

•  region had enough identified/gazetted areas to cater for the need
•  identified areas were in the right locations (as identified in council adopted strategies such as the Open Space Strategy, to cater or growing communities, to not impact on other users/uses etc)
•  signage and other infrastructure required for such areas was appropriate and well maintained.

“The audit is the first part of the review. It will provide council with its foundation information – a verified list of the dog off leash locations,” she said.
Cr McKay said it was important to note that the audit does not mean council has plans to “close down” any dog off leash area.
“Any recommendations that are generated from such an audit and would impact on the local law, requires a council decision. Before such a decision could be made, the community would need to be involved,” she said.
“Such involvement would be in the form of a community consultation program which would be used to garner community feedback, opinion and suggestions.”
Division 8 Councillor Jason OPray said a petition circulating in the region and specifically concerning the Maroochy North Shore dog off leash beach area is adding to the confusion about the intent of the audit.
“Dogs, and dog ownership and the rights of both dog and non-dog owners is a very emotive issue,” he said.
“This region has more than 43,000 registered dogs. We are extremely conscious of the need to involve all community members in any decisions council may need to make in relation to this issue.
“I have been out and about on the beach myself handing out fact sheets to local residents to address the issue and alleviate their concerns. I would like to reassure residents that there are no plans in front of council to ‘close down’ any dog off leash area, including Maroochy North Shore.”