Community members are encouraged to give feedback on a proposal to change dog access rules on beaches between Breamlea and Collendina, which are managed by the Barwon Coast Committee of Management (BCCM).
The proposed changes by BCCM have been informed by the committee's independent research on the challenges faced by beach users and community engagement undertaken in the past few years.
The BCCM findings revealed dogs off the leash were the main issue affecting beach users' enjoyment; and owners' controlling their dogs and access to beach areas were the major management challenges.
The proposed changes aim to simplify dog zones for dog owners with fewer control orders and enhance the enjoyment of all beach users.
Four key changes have been recommended:
- establishing longer 'seasonal' zones (beaches 16W-20W, 21W-24W, 24W-27W and 34W-36W), allowing dogs on-leash at certain times of the day during certain periods of the year
- banning dogs from the Ocean Grove main beach between 13W–16W, with an off-beach 'walkthrough' pathway
- 13th Beach between 36W–40W is proposed to be a "Horse Zone" where dogs are required to be on-leash at all times and
- the number of dog control orders would be reduced.
The City-led public feedback process will run for six weeks from 14 October 2019 and will involve four drop-in sessions in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
Council is committed to supporting BCCM in providing safe and accessible coastal public spaces for all to enjoy.
The BCCM research can be viewed within the 10 September 2019 Community Focus council meeting agenda.
Councillor Bruce Harwood - Mayor
We want to hear from all beach users, whether you own a dog or not, on these proposed dog control rules.
It's important we make our world-class beaches along the Bellarine as enjoyable, safe and accessible for all.
Councillor Kylie Grzybek - Chair, Community Health and Safety portfolio
This is a complex and passionate topic involving our four-legged friends.
This is a genuine community consultation. Council wants to hear from all community members on how they use the beach and what they prefer.
