SUNSHINE Coast dog owners face sweeping changes to where their pets can roam after council moved to implement a major overhaul of exercise areas, beach access and environmental protections across the region.
There are over 54,000 registered dogs in the Sunshine Coast Council region, a population expected to exceed 80,000 by 2046.
At its April Ordinary Meeting, Sunshine Coast Council advanced amendments to local animal management laws to deliver key elements of its Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint 2025–2045, with changes set to take effect from July 3, 2026.
Under the amendments, 12 existing off-leash and prohibited beach areas will be modified, with new restrictions introduced at coastal locations including Stumers Beach, Moffat Beach and Currimundi.
Two new off-leash dog areas will be created at Pelican Waters and Yandina to ease pressure on existing sites and improve access for growing communities.
However, the plan also introduces new exclusions, with dogs banned from active playing surfaces on council sports fields, while on-leash access remains in surrounding areas and a permit system allows approved events.
Environmental protections include bans in a range of conservation and bushland reserves identified as having high ecological value, along with restrictions on rocky foreshores including Point Cartwright and Moffat Headland.
Council says changes follow consultation. Signage and education roll out before the July 3 start.
