Community to be consulted on proposed changes to Animals in Public Places register

Redland City Council will ask the community for feedback on a proposal to reduce the number of locations where dogs on lead are prohibited or restricted.

Mayor Karen Williams said the proposed changes to the Register of Animals in Public Places, under Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2015, followed a city wide review.

“This register hasn’t been looked at for a long time and we wanted to make sure it was still current and still appropriate,” she said.

“Council assessed each of the areas and looked at why the prohibition or restriction was there and if there was still a reason for it to remain, and now we want to hear from the community.”

Cr Williams said restrictions would remain in areas where they were still necessary due to the presence of sensitive wildlife.

“Here on Redlands Coast we have many naturally wonderful public spaces and we want our community to be able to share these with their four-legged friends, where appropriate.”

Councillors voted at today’s general meeting to engage with the community about the proposed changes.

Consultation opens through Council’s Your Say webpage on 9 November 2020 and closes on 6 December 2020.

Cr Williams said if the proposed changes were adopted, dogs would need to be on a lead and under effective control at all times.

“Our Animal Management Team will also ensure there is appropriate signage in all the areas.”

Proposed changes to the Register of Animals in Public Places:

• Remove prohibition on dogs in the park area on Beth Boyd Park, Thorneside but retain prohibition on the foreshore/seashore.
• Remove prohibition on dogs on the foreshore/seashore at Redland Bay Esplanade, Redland Bay (where Grey and Bay streets intersect).
• Remove prohibition and allow dogs at any time on lead – Swamp Box, Capalaba.
• Remove restriction and allow dogs at any time on lead – Yeo Park, Victoria Point; Wellington Point Reserve; and foreshore and seashore at the end of Wilson Street Victoria Point.
• Include the foreshore/seashore in front of swimming enclosures in Redlands Coast as prohibited areas for horses, camels and donkeys.

Visit Council’s website for information on current places where dogs are prohibited or restricted on Redlands Coast.