In 2022 we asked for your feedback to help determine dog-rules for open public areas. In August 2022 Council approved rule changes for some reserves and decided to undertake further engagement on rules for dogs on beaches (find out more).

A Dogs on Beaches Community Working Group has been formed consisting of 30 local people who bring a variety of perspectives that need to be considered when making decisions regarding rules for dogs on beaches and foreshore reserves.

Click the follow button at the top of this page to receive updates about the process and upcoming engagement opportunities.

Dogs on Beaches Community Working Group - Workshop 2

The Community Working Group met on Sunday 7 May for their second workshop, further exploring the options for rules for dogs on beaches and foreshore reserves. The diverse group brought a range of perspectives to this complex situation on how we can balance everyone’s needs to make our beaches and foreshore area for everyone to access and enjoy.

The group will present options for rules to the Council for broader community feedback.

See and hear from independent facilitator Becky Hirst about how the second workshop went.

Dogs on Beaches Community Working Group - Workshop 1

The first Dogs on Beaches Community Working Group session was held on Sunday 1 April. Over the three hour workshop, community working group members:

• Spent time getting to know each other including, discussing their reasons for joining the working group and sharing their common values and motivators.
• Received an overview of the process they will be undertaking together.
• Reflected on the current rules and regulations and previous decisions made.
• Shared and considered a variety of perspectives regarding dogs on beaches and foreshore reserves and used this information to begin shaping their group priorities.
• Prepared for workshop 2, including identifying any information and research they would like available for the next sessions.

See and hear from independent facilitator Becky Hirst about how the first workshop went.

Community Working Group Expressions of Interest

Expressions of interest for the Dogs on Beaches Community Working Group have closed.

A total of 175 expressions of interest were received and reviewed by the independent facilitator and 30 participants selected (see the selection summary) in accordance with the Recruitment and Selection Plan.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their expression of interest.

See and hear from independent facilitator Becky Hirst about the selection process undertaken to find a balance of people who visit our beach and foreshore areas both with and without dogs.

What happens next?

From April to October 2023, the group will work with an independent facilitator to consider different views, options for rules, broader community feedback and reach a consensus on preferred option(s) to be recommended to Council (see the engagement plan).