Community members are encouraged to give feedback on a proposal to change dog access rules on beaches between Breamlea and Collendina, which are managed by the Barwon Coast Committee of Management (BCCM).
\nThe proposed changes by BCCM have been informed by the committee\u2019s independent research on the challenges faced by beach users and community engagement undertaken in the past few years.
\nThe BCCM findings revealed dogs off the leash were the main issue affecting beach users\u2019 enjoyment; and owners\u2019 controlling their dogs and access to beach areas were the major management challenges.
\nThe proposed changes aim to simplify dog zones for dog owners with fewer control orders and enhance the enjoyment of all beach users.<\/p>\n
Four key changes have been recommended:
\nEstablishing longer \u2018seasonal\u2019 zones (beaches 16W-20W, 21W-24W, 24W-27W and 34W-36W), allowing dogs on-leash at certain times of the day during certain periods of the year;
\nBanning dogs from the Ocean Grove main beach between 13W\u201316W, with an off-beach \u2018walkthrough\u2019 pathway;
\n13th Beach between 36W\u201340W is proposed to be a \u201cHorse Zone\u201d where dogs are required to be on-leash at all times; and
\nThe number of dog control orders would be reduced.<\/p>\n
The City-led public feedback process will run for six weeks from October 14 and will involve four drop-in sessions in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
\nMayor Bruce Harwood said council wanted to hear from all beach users, whether they owned a dog or not, on these proposed dog control rules.
\n“It\u2019s important we make our world-class beaches along the Bellarine as enjoyable, safe and accessible for all,” Mr Harwood said.<\/p>\n
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Community members are encouraged to give feedback on a proposal to change dog access rules on beaches between Breamlea and Collendina, which are managed by the Barwon Coast Committee of Management (BCCM). The proposed changes by BCCM have been informed by the committee\u2019s independent research on the challenges faced by beach users and community engagement […]<\/p>\n