FUR FRIENDS TO CELEBRATE ADDITIONAL DOG OFF-LEASH AREAS

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Published
2nd February 2024

The Cassowary Coast is becoming a lifestyle destination of choice for fur friends with Council endorsing three additional dog off-leash areas at the January 2024 Local Government Meeting.  The areas are in Innisfail, Wongaling Beach and Tully Heads.

The new dog off-leash areas follow the success of existing five locations that allow dogs to be off-leash in specified locations under full control of the owner. Dog off-leash areas can be an asset to the community in terms of providing physical exercise opportunities and health and wellbeing benefits for both dogs and their owners. If properly managed, they can also contribute to sustainable recreation by reducing conflict with wildlife and sensitive environmental areas.

The adoption of amended Subordinate Local Laws 2022 to include the additional areas was endorsed by Council following public consultation in December 2023. The amended Subordinate Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2022 includes the additional dog off-leash Areas:

  • Wrights Park, Innisfail – Sherwood Street
  • Wongaling Beach, between the northern end of Banfield Parade to Dickinson Street
  • Tully Heads, between the unnamed street on Carron Esplanade and Penning Park

The new off-leash areas join the existing Dog Off-leash Areas:

  • Boustead Park, Kurrimine Beach
  • Mission Beach foreshore, between Miter St and Pacific Pde – Esplanade access
  • South Mission Beach foreshore, between Kennedy Esp. boat ramp and the beach access 100m North of Jackey Jackey St
  • Wildsoet Park, Tully
  • Coral Sea Park, Cardwell – North of shared path termination to Coral Sea Drive

All community members using dog off-leash areas must ensure that their dog of remains under control (e.g. the dog will return when called), and is not a nuisance to other beach goers, nearby residents, other dogs and their owners.  Please also remember that dog waste must be picked up and disposed of, and that all dogs residing within the Cassowary Coast must be registered.  

The Cassowary Coast Good Dog Owners Guide has some helpful tips to keep dogs happy, healthy, and safe which is extra important when utilising dog Off-Leash Areas.

For further information please visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/dog-off-leash-locations  or contact Council at 1300 763 903.

Image Caption: Riley Haack with Betty at Wrights Park, Innisfail.