Community engagement outcomes

Engagement on the proposed changes to dog on-leash and prohibited areas was undertaken between 4 March and 3 April 2024.

Throughout the engagement 2486 individuals participated through the Your Say survey, emails, letters and phone calls. We also received a petition containing 197 signatures relating to the proposal at Christies Beach. Feedback was received both in support and opposition to the proposals. The level of support for the proposal for each site can be viewed in the summary of outcomes/decisions table.

Common themes we heard across all sites included:

• The importance of off-leash exercise for dog socialisation and well-being.
• That there are limited spaces for off-leash exercise and dog parks are not suitable for all dogs.
• A perception that responsible dog owners are being penalised because of a few people who don’t have effective control their dog in public areas, and that more restrictions will not change this.
• The importance of protecting wildlife and flora species.
• Concerns about dogs being a nuisance along with safety concerns and fear of dog attacks.
• The need for better education, signage, ranger patrols and enforcement.