29 SEPTEMBER, 2022 - PAWS UP- HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT DOGS OFF LEASH AREAS IN THE CASSOWARY COAST

Our favourite four-legged friends may soon have a new way to exercise with a community survey on proposed Dog Off Leash Areas (DOLA) open now.

Cassowary Coast Regional Councillor and Environment Portfolio holder Jeff Baines said consultation is being undertaken in response to increasing requests by local residents to have DOLAs in the Cassowary Coast region.

“This could be good news for dog owners with six sites proposed by Council with the opportunity of four (or more) being trialled, based on feedback provided by the community.

“Under a plan proposed by Council, selected locations in Innisfail, Tully, South Mission Beach, Mission Beach, Kurrimine Beach and Cardwell could trial allowing dogs, big and small, to be off leash within the designated area. However, dog owners should be warned that fines will be issued if their dog is not under control at all times or if they unleash their pets outside the off-leash area.

Councillor Baines said that the off-leash areas can be a valuable asset to the community in terms of providing physical exercise opportunities and health and wellbeing benefits.

“Ultimately, the success of the trial will depend on community awareness and compliance.”

“Once in place, DOLAs will be supported by enforcement, public awareness campaigns and targeted management of dogs who may be off leash in unapproved areas.

“The proposed locations have been carefully chosen to balance the interests of beach/park-goers, dog owners, residents, and visitors, with environmental and wildlife considerations.

“Everyone can now have their say and have their voice heard, with the matter going before Council in late 2022. The survey will be open for a month and can be accessed by visiting yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/dog-off-leash.”

The proposed locations are Groom Esplanade, Innisfail; Boustead Park, Kurrimine Beach; Wildsoet Park, Tully; Coral Sea Park, Cardwell and parts of the foreshores at Mission Beach and South Mission Beach.

It is proposed that once in place, a trial will run for up to 12 months with signage planned to highlight the trial areas.

Council has planned a community survey to ensure everyone has the opportunity to have their say so a decision can be made based on the needs of residents and dog owners.

Have your say and provide feedback on the proposed DOLAs by yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/dog-off-leash.  For further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or via email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.