Published on 20 November 2023
Changes to access at Redhead Beach will purpose to strike a better stability between common seaside customers and folks with dogs.
Signage can be put in from Monday 20 November, outlining new guidelines prohibiting dogs between First and Second Creek – a stretch of seaside beforehand designated as an on-lead space.
The off-leash space south of Second Creek will stay.
Lake Macquarie City Council Section Manager Community Assets Rob Morris mentioned the Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy adopted earlier this 12 months outlined the necessity for change.
“Feedback collected during two rounds of community consultation, as well as feedback from lifeguards and other stakeholders, led us to this decision,” he mentioned.
“Many dog owners weren’t always keeping their dogs on-lead between First and Second Creek, and the northern movement of First Creek meant there was sometimes a relatively small stretch of Redhead Beach available for people who didn’t want to interact with dogs.”
New indicators can be put in at Redhead Beach, Webb Park and different access factors, utilizing a transparent color code system to indicate the place dogs are allowed.
Dog house owners can walk their canine on-lead to one of many three predominant access paths from Webb Park, Cain Street automobile park or Cain Street Reserve.
“We know this is a significant change for dog owners, many of whom love taking their four-legged friends to the beach,” Mr Morris mentioned.
“However, it’s important to note that the stretch of beach south of Second Creek remains one of the region’s largest off-lead areas for dogs.”
“These changes will help increase enjoyment for all beach users, and provide a clearer guideline for where dogs can and can’t go.”
Mr Morris mentioned Council rangers would go to the seaside often in coming weeks to assist familiarise guests with the brand new zones.
“We will be taking an informative approach for the first six weeks as people adjust to the change,” he mentioned.
“Rangers will be on-site during this time to ensure people are aware of the changes and understand future implications if they don’t comply with the new arrangements. After that, we will issue warnings for a further period before considering fines where appropriate.”
Similar indicators, utilizing a transparent purple (dogs prohibited), amber (dogs on-lead) and inexperienced (dogs off-lead) system, are set to be rolled out to different off-leash areas throughout Lake Mac.
Mr Morris mentioned the Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy recognized 10 new off-leash areas to be delivered all through town over the following 10 years.
High precedence places embrace Edgeworth, the Myuna Bay foreshore and Nords Wharf Oval.
Go to lakemac.com.au for extra details about off-lead areas and the Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy.
