Bay beach changes put on hold

Plans, due to come into effect today, giving dog and horse owners new boundaries on a popular Moreton Bay beach are to be reviewed.

Moreton Bay City Council approved changes to Beachmere foreshore in November for dog off-and-on-leash areas, as well as horse recreation and prohibited areas.

Responding to State guidelines, the changes were to “protect migratory and resident shorebird populations – some of which are endangered”.

However, councillors unanimously voted last week to delay the changes after two petitions – one of which was 235 pages long – were presented.

“City of Moreton Bay will review approved changes to the Beachmere foreshore recreation areas,” a Council spokesperson said.

The delay will allow “further information” to be provided to Council.

“Pre-existing recreation boundaries will remain in place for the duration of the review or until further notice,” the spokesperson added.

South Beachmere exercise areas

Cr Brooke Savige tabled a petition from David Morrison with around 1175 signatures.

It asked Council to “abandon the plan to convert the beach at Bayside Drive, Beachmere into an on-leash dog beach.

“We wish the beach to maintain its current status as an off-leash dog beach, as it is now … from the bottom of Louise Drive to the top of the northern end of Bayside Drive.”

Cr Mark Booth also tabled a petition from John Kalleske with 73 eligible signatures.

It asked Council to “abandon the plan to convert the beach across from Palm Lakes Resort at Falcon St into a no-dog beach.

“We wish for the beach to maintain the current status as an on-leash dog beach … from Falcon St to Prince St and beyond going south.”

North Beachmere exercise areas