Have your say: proposed amendments to animal access

A popular place which has captured the hearts of thousands of locals and visitors daily is now the subject of proposed local law amendments.

At Sunshine Coast Council’s September 21 Ordinary Meeting, Council agreed to start a local law-making process that proposes changes to animal management at Point Cartwright.

Under the proposed local law amendments, dogs will be allowed on-leash at Half Moon Bay, open-spaced areas of Point Cartwright Reserve, Buddina Beach and La Balsa Park.

Dogs will be prohibited from the northern beach onto and around the rocky foreshore, the dunes along Buddina Beach and sections of Point Cartwright Reserve.

These recommendations follow Council’s endorsement of the Point Cartwright Reserve and La Balsa Park Master Plan in August, which establishes new animal management requirements at Point Cartwright Reserve.

Proposed local law amendments

• Pathway from La Balsa Park along Half Moon Bay to the northern beach area:

The existing timed (4pm to 8am) “dog off-leash” area to be changed to “dog on-leash” at all times.

• Northern Beach onto and around rocky foreshore:

The existing timed (4pm to 8am) “dog off-leash” area to be changed to a “dogs-prohibited” area.

• Eastern rocky foreshore onto Buddina Beach:

The existing “dog off-leash at all times” to be changed to “dogs-prohibited”.

• Point Cartwright Reserve

The existing timed (4pm to 8am) “dog off-leash” area to be changed to “dogs on-leash at all times” in some areas and “dogs-prohibited” in other areas.

The existing “off-leash at all times” area to be changed to “dogs on-leash at all times” in some areas, and “dogs-prohibited” in other areas.

• Buddina Beach

The existing “dog off-leash at all times” area to remain in place.

• Dunes along Buddina Beach

Will be “dogs-prohibited” areas. Access to the pathways and beach access to be “dogs on-leash”.

The neighbouring La Balsa Park remains a dog on-leash area and the current off-leash area is unchanged on the eastern beach.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said he appreciated the extensive community feedback which was received during the prior master planning process.

“We appreciate that many of our community members have contributed feedback during the master plan process and value them taking the time to do so,” Cr Natoli said.

“From Monday September 25, the community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed local law amendments.

“Point Cartwright Reserve and La Balsa Park are growing in popularity, which is why the Master Plan was endorsed and changes required.

“The master plan has provided the basis for sustainable animal access to this area to ensure the protection of our environment and to manage and enhance the coastal reserve that regularly attracts thousands of people – many with their beloved pets – in a day.

“Your views are important to us which is why it’s important to provide feedback on the proposed amendments to the local laws between September 25 to October 30 by visiting Council’s Have Your Say website.”

Following the consultation process, Council will consider all feedback and decide to make, or not make, the proposed amendments to the local laws.