19 DECEMBER, 2022 - COUNCIL UNLEASHING TRIAL ACROSS THE CASSOWARY COAST

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Published
19th December 2022

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Councillors today voted in favour of the Dog Off Leash Area trial for up to three months.

Environment Portfolio Holder Councillor Jeff Baines said that he would like to thank the 467 residents, community groups and Cassowary Coast visitors who joined the conversation on the region’s Dog Off Leash Area (DOLA) trial.

“Council was blown away by the incredible response and I feel that this demonstrates the importance of this topic to our residents, no matter which side of the fence you sit.

“Overall, the survey showed positive sentiment, with 72% of respondents in favour of the proposed DOLAs or would support the DOLA trial with further facilities in place or alternate locations.

“Cassowary Coast is one of the few Local Government Areas in Far North Queensland not currently providing for Dog Off leash opportunities for residents.

“I am asking dog owners to do the right thing, always maintain effective control of your pet, if outside a DOLA ensure your dog is on a leash, take doggy bags to dispose of their waste with you and ensure your pet has enough water available. The trial outcome purely rests on our residents and visitors doing the right thing.”

Councillor Baines said that the (up to) three-month trial will begin Monday 30 January 2023, to allow for appropriate signage to be installed at trial sites. The survey outcomes showed that it is critical that Council provides the right support and framework throughout the trial. Council officers will support the trial by undertaking enforcement activities, public awareness campaigns and targeted management of dogs who may be off leash in unapproved areas.

“During the trial, residents and visitors can provide feedback by visiting yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/dog-off-leash. To ensure it is easy to provide feedback, all DOLA signage will have QR codes located on them.

“At the end of the trial, Council will provide an update to the community of the outcomes and the future of the DOLAs. I encourage all residents and visitors to provide feedback and have your say throughout the trial.”

At the Local Government Meeting on 15 December 2022, Council did make amendments to the locations based on the feedback and concerns provided by the community during engagement. The locations that are proceeding for the trial are:

  • Boustead Park, Kurrimine Beach;
  • Wildsoet Park, Tully;
  • Coral Sea Park, North of shared path termination to Coral Sea Drive, Cardwell;
  • Foreshore, Mission Beach between Miter Street and Pacific Parade – Esplanade access;
  • Foreshore, South Mission Beach between Kennedy Esplanade boat ramp and the beach access 100m North of Jackey Jackey Street; and
  • Wrights Park, Innisfail.

The major change to location is the change to the Innisfail location, with Groom Esplanade shifting to Wrights Park. A letter drop will be sent to the immediate community living in that area to gain their initial feedback before the trial commences.

The full Community Engagement report can be found by visiting yoursay.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/dog-off-leash.

For further information please contact Council at 1300 763 903 or via email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.