City and Barwon Coast give dog-free beach green light

DOG control orders will continue into the second year of a dog-free area trial at the Ocean Grove main beach.

The decision by City of Greater Geelong councillors was made on the back of public feedback during the first year of the dog-free area trial.

Barwon Coast and the City of Greater Geelong’s partnership began on January 1, 2021, after previous community feedback highlighted a need for a dog-free area of beach to be set aside year-round.

The dog-free area along Ocean Grove main beach accounts for approximately 805 metres of land between the 13W and 15W beach access stairs.

In the upcoming second stage of the trial, dogs will be prohibited in this area of the beach all year.

Feedback from both dog walkers and non-dog walkers on the dog-free trial was encouraged during a six-week community engagement period.

“We were pleased to get such a strong response from our community of beach users,” CEO of Barwon Coast Gary McPike said.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the city to develop dog controls that consider the access issues of all users alongside environmental management requirements.”

In total, 1140 people shared their views about the dog control orders on the section of the beach where the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club is based.

The stretch of coastline is also popular with swimmers, surfers, and Nippers.

The survey results showed 76 per cent of respondents were dog owners. Of these respondents, 72 per cent were from Ocean Grove and 12 per cent from Barwon Heads.

“Dogs are important family members for many people, but the results show there are sections of our community who also want to enjoy a section of the beach without the presence of dogs,” Cr Jim Mason of the Bellarine Ward said.

“There was also strong community feedback that a greater presence of officers on the coast is required to effectively monitor and educate the community.”

A key outcome from the public feedback is a recommendation that the city’s chief executive officer ensures there is a review of animal management resources to educate and enforce dog orders, in line with community expectation.

Mayor Stephanie Asher said the survey confirmed there were strong opinions in the community.

“This has been a challenging issue because dog control orders often generate passionate and contrasting views between dog owners and non-dog owners,” Cr Asher said.

“We will keep working with Barwon Coast to find an appropriate balance between the needs and expectations of all beach users.”