Council's controversial beach move sees locals fight back: 'I had to comfort crying men'
As yet another Australian council eyes banning dogs from beaches over environmental concerns, residents are ramping up their efforts to conserve what they say is an important recreational hub.
On the Sunshine Coast, locals are campaigning to save the off-leash dog beach at Stumers Creek in Coolum Beach, which is under threat as part of the council's Draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan.
The Save Stumers Creek Off Leash Dog Beach Committee has rallied strong public support, submitting more than 6000 signatures across online and paper petitions. They argue that the one kilometre stretch of beach, from access points 67 to 72, is an important social and recreational space where people and pets can "decompress", exercise, and unwind.
But council said it has a responsibility to consider the environmental toll animals take on beaches in the LGA. Speaking to Yahoo, a spokesperson said community feedback is currently being reviewed.
The spokesperson told us a decision will be confirmed later this year, but as of Friday, no date for the announcement had been settled on.
"This feedback is now being reviewed with final recommendations set to be presented to Council," they said. "This plan is about shaping a future network of dog exercise areas across the entire Sunshine Coast — whether that's parks, beaches or recreation reserves — that meet the needs of dog owners while respecting our region's environmental and community values.
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"The community feedback will help ensure we strike the right balance between creating safe recreational spaces for dog owners and non-dog owners alike, while maintaining the natural beauty of our region."
Earlier, Committee member Bree Logie described the debate as absolutely heartbreaking. "I had to comfort grown men and women who were crying: Everyday people, at all ages, in tears," she said.
Bree said the committee wants to work constructively with council on a solution that balances environmental concerns with pet wellbeing, and reflects the needs of the rapidly growing community.
The debate over off-leash dog beaches is far from unique to the Sunshine Coast. Across Australia, councils regularly face tension between protecting the environment, accommodating pet owners, and ensuring public safety.
In NSW, last year, Shoalhaven City Council approved a proposal to permanently reduce the off-leash area at Narrawallee Beach in Mollymook, sparking backlash from local dog owners who felt the change was driven by pressure from beachfront property owners.
Following a two-year trial, the City of Greater Geelong in Victoria implemented a permanent ban on dogs at Ocean Grove Beach in 2022, despite mixed feedback from the community.
In 2022, the Central Coast council in NSW proposed excluding dogs from all sand dunes and patrolled beaches, and restricting access to off-leash areas at popular beaches, citing concerns over non-compliance and community division.
But as urban populations grow and more people welcome dogs into their homes, demand for off-leash areas has surged, especially on beaches where dogs can roam freely and socialise.
At the same time, concerns over wildlife protection, erosion, and the comfort of non-dog beachgoers have led many local governments to review or reduce off-leash zones. From Byron Bay to the Mornington Peninsula and down to WA's coastline, similar proposals have sparked community petitions, rallies, and passionate debate.
It's a balancing act councils across the country are constantly trying to manage: how to provide adequate, accessible spaces for dogs to exercise without compromising environmental values or broader community use.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
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