Dog off-leash areas play a critical role in our community infrastructure network which is why Council is investigating and delivering locations across the Moreton Bay region.
From December 2020 to February 2021, Council sought community feedback on the Queens Beach North dog off-leash area trial and received an overwhelming response and high level of community interest in the project.
Based on the outcomes of the consultation, Council formally resolved to make the Queens Beach North dog off-leash area permanent at its General Meeting on 31 March 2021.
Permanent arrangements
On 31 March 2021, Council endorsed the designation of part of Queens Beach North as a permanent, 24-hour dog off-leash area, taking effect from 1 April 2021.
The dog off-leash area has been reduced to approximately 357 meters in length, a reduction of 68 meters from the current trial area to provide a clearer demarcation of the end of the area, and increase the distance from nearby houses.
The map provides an overview of the permanent dog off-leash area.
The adjusted boundary has moved north of the southern trial limit and has utilised the existing steps onto the beach to provide a physical reference point as well as an access point. Outside of the permanent dog off-leash area, the area south of the steps requires dogs to be on a leash at all times.
The northern limit of the dog off-leash area remains the rock groyne.
Please check the on-site signage to clearly understand the areas for exercising your dog off-leash. Penalties may apply for not complying with Council’s local laws.
Council officers will continue their approach to regulatory patrols and education to ensure dogs are managed effectively and that the use of the off-leash area is complied with.
Further regulatory and advisory signage will be installed to ensure users are aware of the extents of the dog off-leash area and obligations for use of the facility.
Be a responsible dog owner:
- Dogs are permitted off-leash only in the designated dog off-leash area.
- Ensure your dog is always kept under effective control.
- Ensure your dog's waste is removed and disposed of responsibly.
- Ensure your dog is always on a lead when not in the designated off-leash area, including to and from the off-leash area.
Community consultation
Council sought community feedback on the reduced Queens Beach North dog off-leash area between 10 December 2020 and 19 February 2021.
With nearly 2,500 responses, the community engagement progress gave insights into the usage and experiences at the location and provided evidence about the growing demand for off-leash areas on beaches within the region. Survey participants expressed a clear preference to make the dog off-leash area permanent, with 77% of respondents favouring this option.
A detailed consultation report outlines the survey outcomes and information about the engagement process.
Council would like to thank the community for the extensive level of feedback received throughout the consultation period.
The feedback provided Council with critical insights into the trial area which helped inform this project and will help to inform the future planning and delivery of dog off-leash areas across the region.
Project background information
Currently, there are 59 dog off-leash areas across the Moreton Bay region, four of which are located within the Redcliffe Peninsula:
- Bellevue Park, Redcliffe
- Boama Park, Rothwell
- Kroll Gardens, Clontarf
- Queens Beach North, Scarborough
The dog off-leash area was originally trialled at Queens Beach North between March 2018 and August 2018 with dogs allowed off-leash before 8:00 AM and after 4:00 PM daily. In August 2018, the trial conditions were amended to allow dogs off-leash on a 24-hour basis, and the trial period was extended.
On 9 December 2020, Council resolved the Queens Beach North dog off-leash area trial arrangements to include:
- the dog off-leash area to be reduced to the central and northern end of the existing area
- improve signage on the beach to raise awareness of the designated trial area and the obligations of dog owners
- seek formal feedback from the community on the trial.
The trial area came into effect on 10 December 2020.
The dog off-leash area was reduced to approximately 425 meters, enabling the southern end of the beach to be free from unrestrained dogs.
The northern limit of the trial area was the rock groyne, with the southern limit the large stormwater pipe opposite the end of Griffith Road.
Under the reduced trial area, the area south of the stormwater pipe required dogs to be on a leash at all times.
Council sought community feedback on the trial area and formally resolved to the make the Queens Beach North dog off-leash area permanent at the General Meeting held on 31 March 2021.
View Council General Meeting Reports for more information:
