Queens Beach Dog Off-Leash Trial likely to end

A dog off-leash area trial at Scarborough’s Queens Beach North is expected to end after a vote scheduled for next week’s Moreton Bay Regional Council meeting.

The trial has been in place for the past four years and Mayor Peter Flannery says he wants the matter resolved to end community angst and confusion.

Next week’s Council report is believed to recommend reducing the trial area to a 425m stretch from the northern tip of Queens Beach North to where Griffith Rd meets Flinders Parade.

The off-leash area currently runs from Donkin St to Flinders Lane.

“This off-leash dog trial has gone on for four years, which is four years too long,” Mayor Flannery says.

Community consultation

“At Wednesday’s meeting Councillors will be asked to approve a formal community consultation process to finally get a resolution that balances the interests of beach-goers, dog owners, residents and visitors.”

Mayor Flannery says despite the four year trial, a formal community engagement exercise has never been undertaken.

“I believe it’s right and proper for everyone concerned to have their say and have their voice heard, so that this can come back to Council for a final vote.

“If that can start immediately after our meeting, then I’d expect a final report back to Council in March so that this is resolved in April 2021.”

Resolution in sight

Mayor Flannery apologised to the community for having to live with uncertainty over the issue.

“We want Moreton Bay Region to be the most accessible and liveable Council in southeast Queensland, and a big part of that is having options for recreation.

“I want our community to have the final say on whether not dogs are allowed off-leash on Queens Beach North, so your Council can take that action for you.”

More signs are likely to be installed to clearly designate where the off-leash area starts and ends.

Even within a designated Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) dog owners must have control of their pets at all times, including having them on a leash while walking from a vehicle to a DOLA.

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