Coast to act over dog issues

BARWON Coast will launch a review into dog regulations on its reserves after a study into beach use.

The Federation University report highlighted concerns over beach overcrowding, littering, dogs off leash, dune damage and threats to wildlife.

More than 1700 people responded to the survey.

Barwon Coast chief executive Gary McPike said it would help the organisation form management plans.

“The issue of dog management and dog access to beach areas was the most significant issue identified in the report,” Mr McPike said.

“We will be commencing a review of the current dog regulations in force on our coastal reserves in November 2018.

“The report findings will be considered as part of that review and further community engagement will be undertaken as part of the review.”

The Barwon Coast committee of management manages 13km of reserve, from Collendina to the western end of Thirteenth Beach.

About half of Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove households are registered dogowners, according to 2016 census data.

A majority of the respondents, which included temporary and permanent residents, identified as dog owners.

“Many dog owners recognised that there was a problem that needed to be addressed and were open to fair and consistent management strategies,” the report reads.

Issues raised included concern over dogs in prohibited zones, noncompliance with on-leash areas, wildlife harassment or attack and harassment to other beach users.

Only 23.9 per cent of dog owners “strongly agreed” the issue of dogs on beaches was a significant area of conflict, compared with 67 per cent of non-dog owners.

More than half non-dog owners agreed there should be stronger laws regarding dog use on beaches, compared with 9.1 per cent of dog owners.