Simpler dog rules for Hervey Bay beaches

Fraser Coast Regional Council will introduce simpler, clearer rules for dogs on Hervey Bay beaches.

Animal Management spokesperson Cr John Weiland said residents asked for simple rules that are easy to follow.

“Locals told us they want clear, fair rules,” he said. “We’re getting rid of confusing time limits, keeping a busy family swimming area dog-free, and opening up more space for off-leash fun in the right places.

“We’ll back this up with clearer signs at beach entrances and more visible ranger patrols.”

The changes include:

• Off-leash all day, every day in two extended areas – Scarness: Tooan Tooan Creek to Scarness Jetty and Urangan: Margaret Street groyne to Dayman Park (Reef World). This replaces the old timed rules.
• An extended dog-free beach from Scarness Jetty to Robert Street.
• A new dog-free stretch from Reef World to the Urangan Marina, creating a simple landmark-to-landmark boundary.
• Seasonal protection for migratory shorebirds on the beach south of the Urangan Marina (between Moolyyir Creek and Pulgul Creek) with no dogs allowed from 1 September to 31 March, and off-leash access all day from 1 April to 31 August.

Cr Weiland said the aim was to share our coastline safely and sensibly.

“This is about balance. Families and swimmers can enjoy dog-free spaces where it’s busiest. Dog owners get more off-leash space where it works. And our shorebirds are protected during their feeding seasons,” he said.

Cr Weiland said the changes reflect the community feedback gathered earlier this year.

“We heard from 2,190 people across surveys, polls and submissions. The message was clear: make the rules simpler, use landmark boundaries and step up enforcement,” he said.

“Many also asked us to keep a dog-free swimming area at Scarness for safety and comfort.

“Timed zones don’t work well on a tidal beach. Locals told us the time limits were confusing and hard to enforce, so moving to all-day access in set areas is easier for everyone.

“If you love walking your dog, you’ll have more off-leash space all day at Scarness and Urangan, while families can enjoy an extended dog-free stretch of beach from Scarness Jetty to Robert Street.

“Around the Marina, there will be clear signage to highlight that no dogs are allowed from 1 September to 31 March, then off-leash all day from 1 April to 31 August.

“These changes won’t happen overnight. Some changes require updates to Council’s local laws. Once adopted, Council will roll out new signs at beach entrances and more ranger patrols.

“Current rules remain in place until the new ones start in early 2026. Council will provide updates via its website, social media, newsletters, local media and at beach access points before the changes begin.”

More information about current off-leash areas is available at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/dog-map