Vanessa Hall
Editor
SUNSHINE Coast Council is asking for community feedback on their draft Dog Exercise Area Plan which will be the blueprint for both on and off-leash dog exercise areas within the Sunshine Coast Local Government region into the future.
Locally, the plan is proposing to cut the amount of existing off-leash beach areas with Stumers Creek and south of the creek to be made on-leash and the off-leash area to start north of the creek, this has angered many of the regulars and visitors who use the popular dog exercise area.
Council is citing environmental concerns over the quality of the creek and its long-term health as a key driver in the Stumers proposal and they are also making provisions for population growth within the region.
Council currently has almost 55,000 registered dogs and projections indicate there will be 80,000 dogs by 2046. Council does recognise that dogs, “offer companionship and are often considered part of the family.”
Local dog owners and their four-legged companions met at Stumers on Saturday, February 8 to discuss the Dog Exercise Area Plan (DEAP) and were vocally angry and disappointed with the plan.
Coolum woman Bree Logie who takes her rescue dogs to Stumers daily and is rallying the community was concerned that Council has not thought this out adequately and is encouraging everyone to speak up.
“Stumers is an iconic tourism destination and tourists come from around Australia and in particular Brisbane to experience this beach.
“Having the off-leash area north of the creek will be problematic to access during high tides with undercurrents, and unsafe for the elderly and kids and small dogs.
“This beach area at high tide reveals rocks and can be dangerous to cross and signs even state this often,” Bree stated.
The DEAP will allow dogs to remain within the Stumers area on leash however this has been met with concerns.
“Dogs swimming on leads and long lines will get tangled and we will witness fights for sure,” Bree said.
“The creek area is also perfect for people to access with their pets who may have a disability or are elderly as the car park is right there and they can sit in their walkers and watch their dogs play.”
Bree said that more fenced dog play areas were not the solution either.
“Fenced dog areas cause fights because dogs get anxious and cannot escape – at Stumers being off-leash they can avoid this situation and run freely.”
CR SUAREZ RESPONDS
Division 9 and Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the draft plan had been carefully developed to reflect the values of the Sunshine Coast community while providing a balanced approach to recreation and environmental protection.
“This plan carefully considers a balanced network of spaces that works for everyone, whether you’re a dog owner or someone who simply enjoys our beaches, parks and reserves,” Cr Suarez said.
“The plan’s recommendations are based on data, dog ownership trends, industry research and consultation with our community.
“Our region offers more than 15km of off-leash and 18km of on-leash dog exercise areas along our beaches and foreshores — significantly more than other regions in south-east Queensland. These areas are part of 65 proposed formal off-leash locations outlined in this plan which aims to balance the needs of our growing and diverse community.”
THOSE ‘FOR’ THE CHANGES
Online commentary over the DEAP was mostly against changes to the local off-leash areas however there was support for the amendments.
“This is not unexpected to be honest! We used to go there years ago but because there are so many people that don’t know or can’t control their dogs, we stopped going.”
“Actually it’s the perfect place for toddlers to swim and play safely. Without being bowled over by dogs. Or scratched by them. Towels and belongings will also
benefit as dogs won’t run over them or mark their territory!”
Many who were for the changes cited dogs toileting as a concern.
“Owners need to be responsible with their pets down there and carry the darn poop bags with them… It wasn’t always an off-leash dog beach. I only live up the road and stopped going there even for a walk due to what’s going on and how disrespected much of the area has become. I’ve lived here over 20 years and it’s changed.”
FIGHTING FOR THE SECOND TIME
Long-time local Gary Young who walks his dog twice daily, “rain, hail or shine’ said he fought for the area once and is doing it again.
“I started in 1991 when one of the existing Councillors in the old Maroochy Council wanted to change all of the dog beaches… after that election, we lobbied the Councillors to have the off-leash beach established which runs from the caravan park and up to the environmental park and then it was expanded up to the shire boundary,” Gary said.
Gary stated that creating a smaller area for off-leash play is problematic.
“The impact of this new plan will see every dog pushed into one smaller area and it’s not only us who will be affected but also the people in Noosa Shire who use the area from Peregian and walk south.”
As to why it was so important to him, Gary said that his twice daily walks are his “chill out” time.
“I’m down here even in a cyclone! It’s my time here, I have time to think and enjoy the environment no matter what that might be and I get to let my dog roam freely and I hope that everyone will get onto the Council website and have their say.”
One local who wished to remain anonymous also said that the skydivers who use the Stumers Creek area as a landing spot were often as she saw it, more of a problem than any off-leash dog.
“The way they come flying in across the water at times is scary and they are not going anywhere or are being asked to – why pick on the dogs?”
Another regular dog walker Patti Pennisi who along with her husband has three golden retrievers said that the locals to the creek are respectful.
“Local dog owners who use the creek daily/often are generally the ones who take pride in their environment. Many of us do plastic/garbage pick-up as we walk our dogs around the creek and we’re the ones who contact Council if we think people who ‘stay’ overnight are disrespecting the creek and park,” Patti said.
Patti also stated that the creek was the perfect place for those who were frail, and it was a favourite spot for her elderly Father before he passed.
“Mad would come down to Stumers from his aged-care home as it has easy access for mobility impaired to get some ‘dog therapy’ and watch our pups swimming up and down the creek.
“Being able to sit and watch them play was a joy and there is no way we could have got him all the way to beyond the creek and to where the new off-leash area is proposed.”
MAYOR NATOLI RESPONDS
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the draft plan reflected Council’s commitment to creating spaces that supported an active, inclusive and liveable community.
“This plan is about shaping a future network of dog exercise areas across the entire Sunshine Coast — whether that’s parks, beaches or recreation reserves — that meet the needs of dog owners while respecting our region’s environmental and community values,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Your feedback will help ensure we strike the right balance between creating safe recreational spaces for dog owners and non-dog owners alike while maintaining the natural beauty of our region.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
There will be a public information session at Stumers Creek on Wednesday, February 19 from 7-9am with Council in attendance.
The draft plan is open for feedback until February 28, with final recommendations set to be presented to Council later this year. Please visit the following link for more information on the DEAP and to fill out the survey – haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Sarah and Alani with Luna. 
Diana with Apples and Honey. 
Sally the 15-year-old labrador who has been visiting Stumers her entire life. 
Long time local Gary Young with Gillie who both walk along Stumers twice a day, every day of the year. 
Meeting to discuss the proposed changes to access at Stumers and beyond. 
Patti Pennisi’s beloved father enjoying some dog therapy with Sammi at Stumers. Photo: Contributed