IMPROVED community safety, carefully considered changes to off-leash areas and stronger protection of environmentally sensitive zones form the backbone of the newly adopted Sunshine Coast Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan formally endorsed at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on December 11.
Key adjustments include increased regulation at the Maleny Community Precinct to protect vulnerable platypus populations, and several updates to coastal dog-access zones.
At Currimundi Beach, dogs will no longer be permitted to cross the mouth of Currimundi Lake between Beach Access 253 and 254. The existing off-leash area north of the lake remains unchanged, while the southern off-leash stretch will continue for 1.25 kilometres with a new 50-metre buffer to better safeguard the Dicky Beach Bathing Reserve.
A series of restricted dog areas have also been established at Point Perry, Point Arkwright, Point Cartwright, Moffat Headland and Caloundra Headland locations recognised as important breeding and nursery grounds for wildlife.
Dogs will still be welcome on-leash in many environmental reserves; however, those with very high conservation values will become no-dog zones to prevent habitat loss and disease. On sports fields, dogs must stay off active playing surfaces but can use nearby common areas while on a leash, with permits continuing for organised dog events.
Residents can check out detailed maps and learn more about the changes through Council’s website and Have Your Say page.