ISSUE 3: DOGS IN COASTAL AREAS Dog control orders in coastal areas exist to support the fair use of coastline for all, including dogs. Most coastal areas contain areas of high environmental significance, such as sand dunes and wetlands, and they are important to wildlife. The broad range of views expressed during our community consultation process shows that the issue of dogs on beaches remains a contentious issue. See page 5 for more information about the management of local dog control orders in coastal areas. WHAT WE CURRENTLY DO COMMUNITY VIEWS NEW ACTIONS FOR Patrol coastal areas and Encourage owners to comply with dog control orders with: Prepare new dog control monitor compliance with orders for all City- more regular patrols, including covert ones dog control orders, where managed coastal areas, necessary. as part of the Dogs in CCTV Public Places Policy more enforcement review. Provide guides and maps information for tourists and in caravan parks to help dog owners better signs that make restrictions clear. understand their Work in partnership with responsibilities in coastal coastal management areas. committees to develop Make rules about dogs on beaches the same as adjoining new local dog control municipalities. orders for their designated areas in Recognise that walking dogs on the foreshore is part of line with community the beachside lifestyle. expectations. Use volunteers from local walking groups to hand out poo Educate the community bags and provide advice. about any changes to dog control orders in Bring in year-round, dog-free beaches, with some coastal areas, by designated dog beaches. updating maps and signs. Make it clear who manages coastal areas. Work with dog walking and community groups Do not allow dogs into the Portarlington Caravan Park. to monitor whether dog owners are complying Check is there is an issue before you make changes. with the orders. Implement a seasonal plan not a whole-of-year plan. – Distribute dog walking maps through tourism make it easier for people to have dogs off-leash in Don’t agencies. summer, when young families are around.
ISSUE 3: DOGS IN COASTAL AREAS Dog control orders in coastal areas exist to support the fair use of coastline for all, including dogs. Most coastal areas contain areas of high environmental significance, such as sand dunes and wetlands, and they are important to wildlife. The broad range of views expressed during our community consultation process shows that the issue of dogs on beaches remains a contentious issue. See page 5 for more information about the management of local dog control orders in coastal areas. WHAT WE CURRENTLY DO COMMUNITY VIEWS NEW ACTIONS FOR Patrol coastal areas and monitor compliance with dog control orders, where necessary. Provide guides and maps to help dog owners understand their responsibilities in coastal areas. Encourage owners to comply with dog control orders with: more regular patrols, including covert ones CCTV more enforcement information for tourists and in caravan parks better signs that make restrictions clear. Make rules about dogs on beaches the same as adjoining municipalities. Recognise that walking dogs on the foreshore is part of the beachside lifestyle. Use volunteers from local walking groups to hand out poo bags and provide advice. Bring in year-round, dog-free beaches, with some designated dog beaches. Make it clear who manages coastal areas. Do not allow dogs into the Portarlington Caravan Park. Check is there is an issue before you make changes. Implement a seasonal plan – not a whole-of-year plan. Don’t make it easier for people to have dogs off-leash in summer, when young families are around. Prepare new dog control orders for all City- managed coastal areas, as part of the Dogs in Public Places Policy review. Work in partnership with coastal management committees to develop new local dog control orders for their designated areas in line with community expectations. Educate the community about any changes to dog control orders in coastal areas, by updating maps and signs. Work with dog walking and community groups to monitor whether dog owners are complying with the orders. Distribute dog walking maps through tourism agencies.
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