Council considered beach users' feedback on proposed dog access rules on beaches between Connewarre and Collendina, referring the findings to the Barwon Coast Committee of Management (BCCM) for final endorsement.
The beaches are managed by the BCCM, which proposed changes to dog control orders last year.
Following feedback from 592 participants during six weeks of community engagement, council is seeking endorsement from the BCCM on the following changes to the original proposed dog access rules:
- dog access times in the summer peak zones (16W-21W, 24W-27W and 34W-36W) are extended from 8:00pm to 8:00am to 7:00pm to 9:00am, which is consistent with other coastal dog orders adopted by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee
- dogs must be on a leash between Blue Rocks (42W) and 13th Beach (36W) when horses are present and are allowed off lead when horses are not present
- dogs need to be on a lead at all times 75 metres either side of the 7W marker in Collendina, instead of the whole area between 7W and 8W and
- dogs allowed on a leash at the Ocean Grove main beach (13W–16W) between 1 May to 30 November but are banned between 1 December to 30 April.
The seasonal allowance of on-leash dogs at the Ocean Grove main beach, rather than a year-round ban, resulted from a successful amendment.
The proposed dog access rules aim to simplify dog zones for owners, enhance the enjoyment of all beach users and provide safe and accessible beaches.
The consultation process saw more dog owners provide feedback than those without dogs. Both groups of people wanted improved sharing of these much-loved coastal areas.
Some of the themes from the consultation include that the hours of access are restrictive, rules need to be simplified for dog owners, that people regularly fail to control their dogs and that safety, beach users' enjoyment and environmental protection should be considered more.
Councillor Stephanie Asher - Mayor
The stretch of coast between Connewarre and Collendina is a special place not just for Bellarine Peninsula residents, but to visitors as well. Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove are renowned for attracting people who are active and fit; people who love the ocean and many people who have moved here for the healthy lifestyle our surf beach coastline offers.
Dogs as companions are an important feature of so many people's lives and we warmly welcome well-behaved and friendly dogs on our beaches and trails. We appreciate that there are times when the beaches become too crowded for all users to share positively, so we've focused on ensuring everyone has a time that they can enjoy what is arguably our most iconic piece of public open space.
Thanks to everyone who gave their feedback, which has helped to shape the new proposed rules. We believe they now strike the right balance between the priorities of dog owners and those who don't own dogs. These orders will go to the BCCM for final endorsement.
Councillor Trent Sullivan - Bellarine Ward
Dog access rules for beaches are often an emotive topic, but the modifications we've made strike a balance between the preferences of both dog owners and non-dog owners. The proposed rules aim to be simpler and easier to follow.
I raised the amendment to allow on-leash dogs during the cooler months at Ocean Grove main beach following strong feedback from the community that a complete ban was too restrictive.
