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.
\nFour 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.
\nThe 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.
\nBarwon Coast CEO Gary McPike said this review was about putting in place common sense rules that balanced public safety and environmental impacts with the need to continue allowing locals or visitors to enjoy the beach with their dogs.
\n\u201cWe believe the proposed changes will result in many benefits including, for the first time, answering a significant community call for a dog-free area on Ocean Grove beach,\u201d Mr McPike said.
\n\u201cRules and signage will be simplified across the coast and where horses currently access 13th Beach, this area will be designated a horse zone with dogs allowed on lead to create a safe beach experience.
\n\u201cNo final decisions have been made about where dogs can be walked and what areas are potentially set aside as exclusion zones.
\n\u201cWe\u2019ll be supporting the City\u2019s consultation and engaging with our community through this, to ensure we get this right.\u201d
\nMr McPike said Barwon Coast was not looking to stop the local community walking their dogs on the beach.
\n\u201cI know this is a wonderful pastime and a great part of living by the coast,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cThe proposed regulations still allow for the majority of the Barwon Coast beach areas for dog activities.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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