Engagement information page showing proposed change

This page provided information on the proposed change to restrictions for this site that was used for community engagement. For information about the engagement and project outcomes visit the Dog on-leash and prohibited areas review main page.

Current restrictions

• South Port beach – dogs on-leash during daylight savings, between 10am and 8pm.
• Jubilee Park – dogs prohibited.
• Sand dunes – no restrictions.

Proposed restrictions

• Dogs on-leash throughout sand dune trails at all times, other areas to remain the same.

Signage

• Proposed restrictions identified by signs at each entrance, six signs are proposed for this site.

Compliance

• Compliance will be subject to customer reports of non-compliance and investigated by a ranger.

Rationale

• The sand dune trails are used by dog walkers to access the beach from the river however, fencing of trails is purely wire line guides that is not substantial enough to keep dogs off the dunes. The combination of narrow trails and dogs off-leash create a nuisance to others entering the dunes.

• Dogs off-leash can be a nuisance at the beach. Some people have a fear of dogs, particularly off-leash dogs; they can feel intimidated by dog owners aggressively controlling their dogs and have safety concerns for their families and their own dogs.

• Historically, a uniform approach was the norm along metropolitan beaches with dogs required to be on-leash between 10am-8pm during daylight savings. However, Council has established off-leash exercise areas on many parts of our coastline as well as introducing the state’s first dog prohibited beach at Port Noarlunga.

• The dunes have fragile sandy soils, are home to threatened flora and wildlife and are of high Aboriginal cultural heritage value.

• Dogs on-leash will better protect natural resources and ecological processes, wildlife and cultural values.