Balancing act: Navigating environmental needs and dog-friendly spaces
The opportunity for community feedback on the draft Dog Exercise Area Plan and Network Blueprint has been extended by one week to March 7, after requests from residents.
This extension allows more time for the community to share their thoughts on how best to balance our vibrant recreational culture with the need to protect the Sunshine Coast’s unique ecosystems.
Sunshine Coast Council’s draft Dog Exercise Area Plan considers environmental impacts alongside community needs to ensure a sustainable future for all.
Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez emphasised the importance of protecting sensitive coastal environments while maintaining generous dog access.
“Our draft plan proposes more than 15km of off-leash and 18km of on-leash dog access along our beaches and foreshores—the largest offering of any council in south-east Queensland,” Cr Suarez said.
“We’re working to ensure our beaches remain accessible while protecting the critical habitats that make our region so special.”
Why protect rocky headlands?
The rocky headlands along the Sunshine Coast are biodiversity hotspots, home to marine plants, fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds and marine mammals. These headlands also provide essential breeding and nursery grounds for many species that cannot survive elsewhere.
“Unlike people and dogs, many of these species are territorial and sessile—they cannot simply move to another location,” Cr Suarez said.
“Protecting and preserving these habitats is vital for maintaining the health and biodiversity of our coastal ecosystems.”
The intertidal zones of these rocky areas are especially sensitive. Organisms here face constant stress from temperature fluctuations, salinity changes and physical disturbance from wave action.
Additional stress from human and dog activity can have lasting impacts on these finely balanced ecosystems.
By reducing disturbances from dogs in sensitive areas, Council is aiming to minimise trampling, chasing or preying on wildlife, which in turn helps to preserve these habitats for generations to come.
Balancing community and environmental needs
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli highlighted Council’s ongoing effort to strike a balance between environmental conservation and important community recreation.
“Our beaches and foreshores are integral to our community’s lifestyle, liveability, and their mental health. The draft Dog Exercise Area Plan recognises this and reflects our region’s shared values,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Council developed the plan using detailed assessment tools to evaluate factors such as environmental impact, cultural heritage protection, public safety and accessibility.
“We want the community to know that environmental values are just one of many considerations in our decision-making.
“We encourage everyone to share their feedback to help us get the balance right.”
Have your say
The draft Dog Exercise Area Plan community engagement period has been extended by one week to March 7.
Council encourages residents to review the plan and participate in the community engagement process by attending a pop-up session or completing the online survey.
Visit haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au to find more information and keep an eye on the additional pop-up sessions times and locations coming soon.
About the draft plan
The draft plan includes:
- Expanded and improved dog-friendly spaces: including larger off-leash areas, fenced zones for safer play and unique features like water play and social facilities.
- A sustainable blueprint for the future: recommendations for new dog exercise areas and upgrades to meet the needs of a growing population.
- Protecting our natural assets: measures to ensure recreational spaces align with the Sunshine Coast’s environmental and cultural values.
- Better education and compliance: initiatives to promote responsible dog ownership and ensure safe spaces for all park and beach users.