Dog-free beach trial up in the air

BARWON Coast Committee of Management and the City of Greater Geelong are seeking feedback on the second year of the dog-free trial at Ocean Grove Main Beach.

The trial, which has been in effect since New Year’s Day of last year, will run until the end of 2022.

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said feedback from both dog walkers and non-dog walkers on the dog-free trial area is encouraged.

“This is a challenging issue because dog control orders often generate passionate and contrasting views between dog owners and non-dog owners.

“Many people who live in and visit Ocean Grove enjoy walking their dog on the beach. We also know that some people want to enjoy a section of the beach that is dog-free.

“We look forward to hearing all the various viewpoints on this trial, which will help us make the best decision on what controls should be put in place into the future.”

The dog-free area is presently in place between beach access stairs at 13W Hodgson Street and the 15W entrance at the western end of the promenade in front of the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club.

The first year of the trial in 2021 allowed for dog access to the area on lead, from May 1 to November 30, with dogs banned from the popular 805-meter stretch of beach for the remainder of the year.

Barwon Coast chief executive officer Gary McPike noted a large factor in the trial was population growth and its increased pressures on the Bellarine’s coastal environment.

“We want to ensure all beach users can access and enjoy the beach.

“This trial is about ensuring we get the balance right for Ocean Grove Main Beach.”

The two-year trial was originally put in place in response to community feedback provided to the city and Barwon Coast in 2019 and 2020, highlighting the need for a dog-free area at the popular Ocean Grove beach.

In the first year of the trial, 1,140 people shared their views via a community feedback survey.

Feedback is open until September 25 via the city’s Have Your Say page.