Thanks for your feedback. This consultation has now closed.
We recognise the value of pet ownership and its overall benefit for community health and well-being. The benefit of shared spaces for non-pet owners is important as well. The Dogs in Public Places Policy will help us balance the needs of the community overall.
We hope that the Policy will have a consistent approach to how we assess suitability of areas where dogs can be leash free (with their owners and under effective control) and where they can't go (dog prohibited areas).
Dogs are required to be on leash in all other public open space areas.
What's happened so far?
We asked for your feedback on the draft Policy from 20 October to 9 December 2022.
What's next?
We are currently reviewing your feedback which will help us finalise the draft Policy, prior to it being presented to Council for consideration in early 2023.
Below are the features of the draft Dogs in Public Places Policy. For details, please download a copy of the draft Policy.
- Leash free areas (bushland areas, parks and reserves). Criteria to assess and identify suitable locations for permitted leash free areas.
- Leash free areas (beaches and foreshores). Criteria to assess and identify suitable locations for permitted leash free areas.
- Dog prohibited areas. Criteria to assess suitability of sites as dog prohibited.
- Consistent dog controls (eg. times and dates). A consistent, simplified and easier to understand set of dog controls to be applied to sites across the Peninsula.
- Consistent signage requirements.
- Process to prescribe new or amend existing dog controls, including provision for community nominations of sites.
A consistent approach across the Shire will mean that:
Year-round dog controls are applicable to bushland areas, parks, and reserves
Dog control regulations that may be applied to these sites:
- Leash free at all times.
- Dog prohibited at all times
Year-round dog controls are applicable to some beaches.
- Leash free at all times.
- Dog prohibited at all times.
Seasonal dog controls are applicable to some beaches.
1 March to 30 November (autumn, winter, spring)
- Leash free at all times.
- Dog prohibited at all times.
1 December to 28 February (summer)
Times when dogs may be allowed leash free at some beaches:
- Leash-free 7pm to 9am.
- Leash-free at all times.
Times when dogs may be prohibited at some beaches:
- Dogs prohibited 9am to 7pm.
- Dog prohibited at all times.
Take the Survey
You can have your say on the draft Dogs in Public Places Policy by completing the survey or making a submission.
Community consultation is open from 20 October to 9 December 2022.
