Changes to dog regulations – Hervey Bay beaches and foreshores

Fraser Coast residents are being invited to have their say on dogs on Hervey Bay beaches.

Cr John Weiland said Council was reviewing the rules for where dogs can be off-leash, on-leash, or not allowed on Hervey Bay beaches for the first time since 2015.

“Hervey Bay’s stunning beaches are a favourite spot for locals and visitors to swim, relax and spend time with their dogs. We want to strike the right balance between shared and dog-free areas,” he said.

“Council is seeking community feedback on proposed changes, which include expanding off-leash beach areas and times, adding a new on-leash zone, and extending a small dog-free area.

“We want the community to understand the reasons behind the regulations and ensure any changes are made transparently and inclusively.

“Residents can have their say via an online survey that will be available on Council’s Engagement Hub website until 24 February 2025: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-beaches-dog-regulations

“Whether you’re a dog lover or simply love visiting the Bay’s beaches, this is your chance to share your thoughts.”

The proposed changes include:

• Abolishing restricted timing for off-leash beach areas at Pialba and Urangan, making them 24-hour off-leash areas, and extending the 24-hour off-leash area to include Zephyr Street to the Scarness Jetty, and the Dayman Park foreshore area from the aquarium to the rock wall.
• Introducing a new on-leash zone from the Scarness Jetty to the Hervey Bay Sailing Club boat ramp.
• Amending the current dog-free zone to cover the area from the Hervey Bay Sailing Club to the Robert Street beach access. Currently, the dog-free zone starts at the Scarness Jetty and ends at Macks Road.

The review follows a recent community petition requesting changes to the dog regulations on Hervey Bay beaches.

The proposed changes will make it easier for Council to put signs on the beach near where the zones start and stop – such as the Scarness Jetty, the boat ramp at the Hervey Bay Sailing Club, and the stormwater drain at Robert Street beach access – making the rules clearer for dog owners.