After a period of public consultation, Redland City Council has adopted changes to its animal management local law, that include relaxing dog restrictions in two of the city’s parks.
Dog owners are now permitted to walk their dogs on-leash at W.H. Yeo Park, Victoria Point and at Wellington Point Reserve before 9am and after 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
At Wellington Point Reserve, dogs are also allowed on-leash on the sandbar (that is exposed at low tide) between the reserve and King Island during the extended times. However they are still prohibited on the beach area adjacent to W.H Yeo Park (Thompson’s Beach).
Redland City Council spokesperson for animal management Cr Wendy Boglary said that dogs were previously prohibited at all times at W.H. Yeo Park and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at Wellington Point Reserve.
“This extension of time will be great for busy working people. However being a dog owner comes with responsibility,” Cr Boglary said.
“Dog owners must pick up after their dogs and place their doggie bags in bins. No dogs are to be off- leash and are totally banned from the playground area.
“If all dog owners are responsible, these changes will have little impact on the broader community.”
Cr Boglary said the vast majority of public submissions were in favour of the law change, but quite a number of calls were received from people who mistakenly thought the areas would become dog off-leash areas.
“This is absolutely not so – Council will promote the new arrangements and our compliance officers will use their regular patrols to clarify any confusion with park and reserve users,” Cr Boglary said.
“Of course, signage will be updated and dog faeces bag dispensers will be installed.”
Dog owners across the city are still required to keep their animals on-leash (unless within a designated dog off-leash area), to pick up after their dogs and ensure they are not a nuisance to others.