Green light for bay beach changes

Changes are being made to dog off-leash and recreation areas along a popular Moreton Bay beach.

New seasonal dog off-leash areas (DOLA) and recreation zones will come into effect at Beachmere foreshore from December 1.

The changes were approved by Moreton Bay City Councillors today and “reflect environmental values and community needs”. They include:

• A 13-hectare Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) at the southern end of Biggs Ave
• A seasonal DOLA at Bayside Dr, where dogs are allowed off-leash from May 1 to July 31 and on-leash from August 1 to April 30
• Dedicated horse exercise areas between Beachmere Conservation Park and Louise Dr
• On-leash dog recreation areas between Biggs Ave and Prince St

Signs will now be installed ahead of community education activities to help residents understand the changes.

It follows community feedback, environmental assessments and consultation with the Kabi Kabi People’s Aboriginal Corporation.

Council says the changes safeguard important shorebird roosting and foraging sites while preserving access for dog owners and horse riders.

“Council has listened to the community and worked with Traditional Custodians and environmental experts to find the right balance for Beachmere’s foreshore,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“We’re protecting endangered migratory shorebirds while maintaining generous off-leash and on-leash areas for local pet owners.”

Cr Brooke Savige (Div 1) thanked the community for their feedback and encouraged everyone to familiarise themselves with the changes coming into effect.

“There’ll be new signs going up at the beach access points and our website has all the information in one place,” she said.

“I encourage beachgoers to familiarise themselves with the updated areas before they take effect from December 1”

Cr Mark Booth (Div 2) said the revised areas “reflect strong local input and a shared desire to protect Beachmere’s unique natural environment while supporting the recreation our community loves.”