DOG LOVERS in Airlie Beach will now be able to walk their dogs off-leash on Boathaven Beach every day, from 5.30am to 8.30am, excluding the stinger net enclosure.
Whitsunday Regional Council has moved to make the region more dog friendly after approving changes to dog off-leash and dog prohibited areas, at Wednesday’s ordinary monthly meeting, in Proserpine.
Mayor Julie Hall said the three-month trial ended on July 30, with only one formal complaint received by council.
“After the successful three-month trial at Boathaven Beach, I’m pleased we can introduce a new dog-off leash area for Airlie Beach dog lovers,” she said.
“While council is keen on making the region more dog friendly, the onus is on the community to be aware of responsible dog ownership rules and do the right thing.
“Council’s Local Law, in relation to the effective control of dogs, requires that a person must not bring or permit an animal to be brought into a public place unless the animal is under the person’s effective control.
“This is for the safety of all dogs and to ensure the safety of our community and visitors using the same area.
“It’s important for dogs to be under effective owner control at all times, including the designated dog off-leash areas.”
All dogs must be on a leash in parks, reserves, and foreshores within Whitsunday Regional Council boundaries, except those that are designated ‘off-leash’ areas.
Residents are reminded that there is a $309 fine for a dog off a lead, for taking a dog into a prohibited area and for not removing and disposing faeces in a sanitary way.
Anyone unsure of their obligations should contact council’s Local Laws section on 1300 WRC QLD (972 753).
Council’s website has a list and detailed maps showing the approved dog-off leash areas for the community to refer to. Visit www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Off-Leash Dog Walking Zones:
• Boathaven Beach (excluding Stinger Net area) 5.30am-8.30am daily.
• Cannonvale Beach (Eastern end) from 5am-8pm daily (except from 8am-9am and 2.30pm-3.30pm on school days).
• Shingley Beach (Eastern End Only), Airlie Beach
• Queens Beach, Bowen
• Doughty Creek Mouth, Bowen
• Kings Beach, Bowen
• Denison Park, Bowen
• Bicentennial Park, Cannonvale
• Galbraith Park, Cannonvale
• Whisper Bay Boat Ramp, Cannonvale
• Wildlife Park, Jubilee Pocket
• Keith Johns Estate Park, Proserpine
• Hydeaway Bay
