Feedback informs proposed changes to dog access rules

THE City of Greater Geelong council has considered feedback from beach users on proposed dog access rules on beaches between Connewarre and Collendina, and has referred the findings to the Barwon Coast Committee of Management (BCCM) for final endorsement.

The beaches are managed by the BCCM, which proposed changes to dog control orders last year.

Following feedback from 592 participants during six weeks of community engagement, the council is seeking endorsement from the BCCM on the following changes to the original proposed dog access rules:

• Dog access times in the summer peak zones (16W-21W, 24W-27W and 34W-36W) are extended from 8pm-8am to 7pm-9am, which is consistent with other coastal dog orders adopted by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee;
• Dogs must be on a leash between Blue Rocks (42W) and 13^th Beach (36W) when horses are present and are allowed off lead when horses are not present;
• Dogs need to be on a lead at all times 75 metres either side of the 7W marker in Collendina, instead of the whole area between 7W and 8W; and
• Dogs allowed on a leash at the Ocean Grove main beach (13W–16W) between 1 May – 30 November but are banned between December 1 – April 30.

For more information on Barwon Coast, head to barwoncoast.com.au.