Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint
We are working with our community to draft an inclusive framework that will support the planning and delivery of dog exercise areas. These areas service users' needs and align with our region's environmental and community values.
Dog exercise areas are activity spaces provided by Council that promote social and physical health for dogs and their owners. Currently, there are 46 dog exercise area across the region, including recreation parks, beaches, foreshores, recreational trails, sports fields and other Council facilities. Some of these areas allow dogs to be off-leash while others only allow dogs that are restrained on a leash. There are also certain public spaces where dogs are explicitly prohibited.
There are also a large number of commercial entities currently operating across the Sunshine Coast region offering opportunities for dog exercise and socialisation. Examples of these entities include dog-walkers, doggy daycares, dog trainers and more. These facilities and services supplement Council’s dog exercise area offerings by providing specialised opportunities for dogs and their owners to socialise and exercise.
For more information see responsible dog ownership and exercising dogs.
Why dog exercise areas are important
Council recognises the benefits of dog exercise areas. They improve animal well-being, unite communities, and promote outdoor activity.
Council has created many useful tools to encourage responsible pet ownership.
These will help dog owners understand their responsibilities, including walking on a leash, entering an off-leash park and sharing space.
New dog exercise areas are one of the most requested park activities by Sunshine Coast residents, with requests for additional facilities coming through to Council on a regular basis. As the region's population grows, so will the demand for public dog parks. This is due to a trend toward smaller lots with less private open space.
The aim of the plan
The plan will assess the existing network and propose a future network that meets user needs and aligns with our region's environmental and community values.
The plan will utilise current data, industry research, community and Council values to determine the types of dog exercise areas Council will provide in the future.
The plan will also influence future desired standards of service, levels of embellishment and the estimated number and size of future dog exercise areas across the region.
Community engagement
Between Tuesday, 4 February and 5pm Friday, 28 February 2025, community members are invited to provide their input and feedback on the draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint.
Visit Have your Say Sunshine Coast - Draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint.
A draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint will be prepared by Council with input from our community. This community input will include survey data from public consultation on recent dog exercise area proposals and values-based information from focus group discussions.
In the initial stages of the project, targeted focus groups will be established that will assist Council in drafting a plan that carefully balances our region’s environmental, cultural and social wellbeing.
This process will be undertaken via targeted invitation of key interest groups who have subject matter expertise and a connection to a wide cross section of our community.
Representation on the focus groups will include dog owners and non-dog owners, accessibility sector, environmental groups, dog related businesses, community groups, Traditional Custodians, internal Council departments and Councillors.
Where to from here
Community feedback will help refine the draft plan to better align with community priorities and values.
The draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint will be presented to Council for consideration in late 2025.
Visit Have your Say Sunshine Coast - Draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint to have your say and subscribe to receive updates on this important regional project.
Check out the two videos on the Draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint. They outline how the plan aims to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of our community, dogs and their owners.
Video 1: Help shape the future of our dog exercise areas
With dog registrations expected to grow to more than 80,000 in the next 20 years it’s time to expand and enhance our dog exercise facilities.
The draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint is designed to benefit our whole community and the natural environment– prioritising safety, wellbeing, and liveability for people and pets alike.
Video 2: Have your say on the future of our dog exercise areas
Learn more about our draft plan for shaping a future network of dog exercise areas across the entire Sunshine Coast.
This plan carefully considers a balanced network of spaces that works for everyone, whether you’re a dog owner or someone who simply enjoys our beaches, parks and reserves.
Between Tuesday, 4 February and 5pm Friday, 28 February 2025, visit Have your Say Sunshine Coast - Draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint to have your say and subscribe to receive updates on this important regional project.