Community members are
encouraged to give feedback on a proposal to change dog access
rules on beaches between Breamlea and Collendina, which are managed by the Barwon
Coast Committee of Management (BCCM).
The proposed changes by BCCM have been
informed by the committee’s independent research on the challenges faced by
beach users and community engagement undertaken in the past few years.
The BCCM findings revealed dogs off the leash
were the main issue affecting beach users’ enjoyment; and owners’ controlling
their dogs and access to beach areas were the major management challenges.
The proposed changes aim to simplify dog zones
for dog owners with fewer control orders and enhance the enjoyment of all beach
users.
Four key changes have been recommended:
- establishing
longer ‘seasonal’ zones (beaches 16W-20W, 21W-24W, 24W-27W and 34W-36W),
allowing dogs on-leash at certain times of the day during certain periods of
the year - banning
dogs from the Ocean Grove main beach between 13W–16W, with an off-beach
‘walkthrough’ pathway - 13th Beach between 36W–40W is proposed to be a “Horse Zone” where dogs are required
to be on-leash at all times and - the
number of dog control orders would be reduced.
The City-led public feedback process will run
for six weeks from 14 October 2019 and will involve four drop-in sessions in Ocean
Grove and Barwon Heads.
Council is committed to
supporting BCCM in providing safe and accessible coastal public spaces for all to
enjoy.
The BCCM research can be viewed within the 10 September 2019 Community Focus council meeting agenda.
Councillor Bruce Harwood – Mayor
We want to hear from all
beach users, whether you own a dog or not, on these proposed dog control rules.It’s important we make our world-class
beaches along the Bellarine as enjoyable, safe and accessible for all.
Councillor
Kylie Grzybek – Chair, Community Health and Safety portfolio
This is a
complex and passionate topic involving our four-legged friends.This is a
genuine community consultation. Council wants to hear from all community
members on how they use the beach and what they prefer.
