By JOLENE OGLE
LOCAL dog owners are furious with Noosa Council’s proposed new law that would ban dogs from being off-leash on the Sunshine Beach dog beach.
Currently, dogs can run free for a 500 metre stretch of beach, but the proposed laws would require all dogs to stay on-leash in an extended area of 900 metres.
Noosa Council public order and safety manager Ron Thomas said the proposed law is in response to complaints from the public about uncontrollable and aggressive dog behaviour at that end of the beach.
“There have been seven reported incidents in the past six months in which dogs have attacked other dogs at north Sunshine Beach,” he said.
“Two were very serious, with one of the dogs requiring more than $1000 worth of vet treatment.”
Mr Thomas said Council regularly receives complaints about uncontrolled dogs, aggressive behaviour and dogs jumping up on people.
“There has also been complaints about dog owners leaving their pets unsupervised and off the leash while they go for a surf,” he said.
Local dog owner and Sunrise Beach resident Kate Croghan said the proposed changes were a “knee-jerk reaction” from Council.
“There have only been a few isolated complaints and they are punishing responsible dog owners,” she said.
“Most people are doing the right thing and it’s not fair to take away the off-leash area.
“Turning the beach into an on-leash area would be terribly frustrating for the dogs.”
In the proposed law, Noosa Council has offered to extend the current 500 metre dog area by 400 metres, but Ms Croghan said she would rather just leave things as they are.
Local resident and dog owner Carolyn Patiniott said she can’t understand why Council would want to reduce the area of beach where dogs could run free off the leash.
Ms Patiniott said if you don’t like the dog beach, then leave.
“May I draw to (Mr Thomas’) attention this is a small area, is clearly signed, and very well used as an off-leash area and if this is not to people’s liking, many kilometres of beach adjacent is available to them,” she said.
Ms Patiniott said she is “completely mystified” as to why Council would change the laws.
“I walk this beach twice a week with my happy chappy, Hamish.
“The interaction between not only the dogs but the walkers is always enjoyed,” she said.
“For goodness sake, we are talking about a very small part of a huge beach, please leave it alone.”
Anyone who would like to make a submission in regards to the proposed Subordinate Local Laws can email mail@noosa.qld.gov.au or join the online forum at www.yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au.
Over 100 submissions have already been received. Deadline for submissions in 20 March.
A copy of the proposed Subordinate Local Laws is available from Council chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Noosa Council.
