Dog zones back for summer

BUSY beach areas in Torquay, Jan Juc, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven and Lorne, as well as Torquay’s Taylor Park, now have specified timeshare zones for walking and running dogs.

As of December 1, dogs are not permitted inside the designated timeshare zones between 9am and 7pm unless on defined paths and on a leash.
Outside of those hours, dogs are allowed off their leash, however they must be under ‘effective control’, meaning they return to owners immediately on call.

These conditions will continue until February 28 and will resume during Easter.

Rangers from the Surf Coast Shire and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) staff will patrol zones ensuring that dog owners are aware of timeshare arrangements and that people pick up after their pets.

GORCAPA acting operations director Katie Hart asked people to take special care during the busy summer months.

“We ask dog owners to consider other beach users and respect the time share arrangements so that everyone can enjoy our beaches this summer.

“Off-lead areas are available and can be viewed on the council’s dog regulations map.

“We would also like to remind the community of areas where dogs are prohibited at all times. These are Cosy Corner in Torquay, Point Roadknight, Aireys Inlet Split Point area and Lorne Surf Life Saving Club and Lorne central areas.”

Cr Rose Hodge believes it will be a particularly busy summer period, following tough lock down conditions faced by Melburnians.

“There will be increased potential for conflicts involving dogs but our established timeshare zones aim to help ensure that everyone can enjoy their time in some of our most popular areas,” she said.

“We hope that people will respect the zones and the personal space of other people, particularly children.”

Dog owners can find maps of the zones online at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Pets-and-animals, and can look out for signs at locations.