Simpler dog rules roll out for Hervey Bay beaches
Published on 09 February 2026
From today, Fraser Coast Regional Council is rolling out simpler, clearer dog rules for Hervey Bay beaches, making it easier for residents and visitors to understand where dogs are allowed while balancing the needs of dog owners, swimmers, families and wildlife.
Animal management spokesperson Cr John Weiland said it’s all about sharing our coastline safely, making it easier for dog owners to know what to do and keeping our beaches safe for everyone to enjoy.
“The changes would be supported with clearer signs and clearer landmark-to-landmark boundaries, updated maps and more education,” he said.
“This is about giving dog owners more space to enjoy the beach off-leash where it works, keeping busy swimming areas safe and dog-free, and protecting shorebirds in important feeding areas at key times of the year.
“The changes reflect extensive community feedback gathered in early 2025.
“We heard from 2,190 people through surveys, polls and submissions, and the message was clear -people want simpler rules that are easier to understand and follow,” Cr Weiland said.
Stage 1 delivers three 24-hour, all-day off-leash dog areas, seven days a week:
- Scarness: from Tooan Tooan Creek to Scarness Jetty
- Urangan: from the Margaret Street groyne to Dayman Park (Reef World)
- Urangan (south of the Marina): between Moolyyir Creek and Pulgul Creek, which will remain off-leash all day, every day until the seasonal shorebird protection zone is introduced as part of Stage 2
Cr Weiland said these new off-leash areas replace the previous timed dog rules in those locations.
“The changes are supported by new signage at beach entrances, updated online maps and an education program with community rangers providing information on the beaches,” he said.
“If a beach area is not signed as off-leash or dog-free, it is on-leash.
“The remaining changes will be delivered as Stage 2 later in 2026, subject to the completion of local law amendments,” said Cr Weiland.
“Stage 2 will finalise the full set of changes, including new dog-free swimming areas and a seasonal shorebird protection zone.
“This staged approach allows us to roll out changes clearly, focus on education first, and give the community time to adjust.
Cr Weiland encouraged dog owners to check the map before heading to the beach.
“If you’re taking your four-legged friend to the beach, check the dog map, follow the signs at beach entrances, keep your dog under control and be mindful of other beach users.”
More information, including maps and signage locations, is available on Council’s website: https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/dog-map