Dog Owners Rejoice

Boathaven Beach Off-Leash Area Permanently Approved

A group of sociable dog-lovers who play and swim with their dogs almost daily down at Boathaven Beach are celebrating this week as Council make the three-month off-leash trial, a permanent fixture.

Dog walkers at Boathaven Beach in Airlie Beach are now able to have their fur-babies off leash between 5.30am and 8.30am daily.

Mayor Julie Hall said the three-month trial ended on July 30 with only one formal complaint being received by Council during the trial period.

“After the successful three-month trial at Boathaven Beach, I’m pleased we can introduce a new dog off-leash area for Airlie Beach dog lovers,” she said.

“While Council is keen on making the region more dog friendly, the onus is on the community to be aware of responsible dog ownership rules and do the right thing.

“Council’s Local Law in relation to the effective control of dog requires that a person must not bring or permit an animal to be brought into a public place unless the animal is under the person’s effective control.

“This is for the safety of all dogs and to ensure the safety of our community and visitors using the same area.

“It’s important for dogs to be under effective owner control at all times, including the designated dog off-leash areas,” Mayor Hall said.

Boathaven Beach is now one of thirteen approved dog off-leash areas:

• Queens Beach, Bowen

• Doughty Creek Mouth, Bowen

• Kings Beach, Bowen

• Denison Park, Bowen

• Shingley Beach, Airlie Beach (Eastern end only)

• Bicentennial Park, Cannonvale

• Cannonvale Beach (Sanded area; Eastern end; (Restricted Times - 5am-8am 5pm-8pm except 8:00am - 9:00am & 2:30pm - 3:30pm school days)

• Gailbraith Park, Cannonvale

• Whisper Bay Boat Ramp, Cannonvale

• Wildlife Park, Jubilee Pocket - enclosure

• Keith Jones Estate Park, Proserpine

• Hydeaway Bay

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