Barwon Coast and the City of Greater Geelong want to hear community views on the trial of a dog-free area at Ocean Grove Main Beach.
Director of City Planning and Economy Gareth Smith said the two-year trial is in response to community feedback provided to the City and Barwon Coast in 2019-2020. This feedback highlighted the need for an area of beach to be set aside as dog-free all year round.
“The proposed dog-free area accounts for just 805 metres of beach approximately between 13W to 15W beach access stairs. We want people to have their say and have their voices heard about the trial,” Mr Smith said.
“Feedback from both dog walkers and non-dog walkers on the dog-free trial is encouraged.”
“We are interested in people’s views on Year One of the trial which allows dogs on lead during the winter months. We will be engaging the community again in 2022 on Year Two of the trial which will allow for dog-free access at Ocean Grove Main Beach for the entire year.”
“The City and Barwon Coast have worked together to engage an independent consultant to develop the community feedback survey”.
Mr Smith urged everyone to have their say, so that a comprehensive report can come back to Council and the Barwon Coast Committee of Management for consideration later this year.
“Many people who own dogs count them as part of the family and it’s something they are passionate about. It’s not just about their dogs, it’s about being out and exercising together,” Mr Smith said.
“We also know that some people want to enjoy a section of the beach that is dog-free.”
CEO of Barwon Coast Gary McPike said that Barwon Coast is keen to ensure access for all types of beach users is available.
“The pressures on our coast are changing due to population increase. We know from previous community engagement processes and from our day-to-day management of the coast that there are many types of beach users,” Mr Pike said.
“We want to ensure everyone can access the beach and that our natural environment is also protected. This trial is about ensuring we get the balance right for Ocean Grove Main Beach.”
“We look forward to hearing all the various viewpoints on this trial which will help us make the best decision on what the controls should be into the future.”
The dog-free trial commenced on Ocean Grove Main Beach on 1 January 2021 and runs until the end of 2022.
Dog walking is also available on other areas of the coast. Dog walking areas on the Barwon Coast coastal reserve are listed here.
Community members are invited to share their feedback on the first year of the trial by Sunday 26 September 2021 at our Have Your Say page.
Barwon Coast and the City are holding drop-in information sessions on this engagement process.
The sessions are from 9am to midday on Wednesday 25 August AND Saturday 28 August 2021. Location: Ocean Grove Main Beach adjacent to the beach access ramp at 15W
If you have concerns or questions please contact the City on 03 5272 5272 or Barwon Coast at office@barwoncoast.co.auor 5254 1118.
