Council approves changes to dog off-leash and dog prohibited areas

Dog lovers in the Airlie Beach/Cannonvale area will now be able to walk their dogs on the new foreshore pathways all the way from Whitsunday Sailing Club to Cannonvale Beach while Bowen dog lovers have an extra dog off-leash area at Queens Beach and the previously prohibited area at Santa Barbara Parade is now a dog on-lead area.

Mayor Andrew Willcox said while Council was intent on making the region more dog friendly, the onus was on the public to be aware of responsible dog ownership rules and do the right thing.

“Council’s Local Law in relation to the effective control of dogs requires that a person must not bring or permit an animal to be brought into a public place unless the animal is under the person’s effective control.

“This is for the safety of all dogs and to ensure the safety of our community and visitors using the same area.

“It’s important for dogs to be under effective owner control at all times, including the designated dog off-leash areas” Mayor Willcox said.

“If your dog shows any signs of aggression or anti-social behaviour, they are not allowed in dog off-leash areas or in public without being appropriately controlled.”

Mayor Willcox said he does not want to see someone seriously hurt by way of a dog attack.

“Council has had a number of complaints from the public recently and we urge all dog owners to be responsible for their animal.

“Council will be increasing its strict enforcement of the rules and cracking down on bad behaviour.”

Council approved changes to Dog Off-Leash Areas and Dog Prohibited in Public Places in the following areas:

i) Remove Whitsunday Sports Park, Jubilee Pocket from a dog off-leash area; ii) Change the prohibited areas of Airlie Beach Lagoon and Airlie Beach Foreshore & The Beacons, Airlie Beach to on-lead areas, except within 10 metres of playgrounds, BBQs and the Airlie Lagoon;iii) Change the prohibited area of Santa Barbara Parade to an on-lead area, except within 10 metres of playgrounds, BBQs and the Water Park; and iv) Change the prohibited area of Queens Beach to a dog off-leash area

Council would like to remind dog owners that all dogs must be on a leash in parks, reserves and foreshores within Whitsunday Regional Council boundaries except those that are designated ‘off lead’ areas.

Council’s website has a list and detailed maps showing the approved dog-off leash areas for the community to refer to here.

Residents are reminded that there is a $261 fine for a dog off a lead, for taking a dog into a prohibited area and for not removing and disposing faeces in a sanitary way.

Anyone unsure of their obligations should contact Council’s Local Laws section on 1300 WRC QLD (972 753).