Small beach change aims to give shorebirds a chance 

DOG OWNERS can still enjoy plenty of off-leash space at Maroochy North Shore, despite a seasonal closure at the southern tip of the spit aimed at giving threatened migratory shorebirds a better chance of survival.

The restricted area came into effect on October 1 and will remain in place until April 30, 2027, when many migratory birds use the Sunshine Coast to feed and recover after long journeys.

For dog walkers, the change is limited to a small section of the beach, with most of the popular North Shore off-leash area remaining open.

Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the seasonal exclusion zone affected the southern tip of the spit only.

“The entire stretch of beach, from Pincushion Island all the way north to beach access 132 is still a year-round fully dog off-leash area,” Cr Bunnag said.

“The off-leash area on the river side of North Shore at beach access 136 is also unchanged.

“To ensure dog walkers still get to enjoy the loop trail they love, Council is formalising an existing goat track to create the ‘Pincushion Trail’.

“The trail features way-finding signage and takes walkers from the beach side at Pincushion Island, across the spit to the river.”

All beach access tracks and trails through the conservation area are on-leash only.

Cr Bunnag said the seasonal arrangement was designed to give both dog owners and shorebirds room to enjoy the area.

The change follows community consultation in 2023, when Sunshine Coast Council worked with the University of Queensland and residents to better understand how the North Shore was used.

More than 2000 people took part in the consultation, with restricting dogs during shorebird season among the most commonly suggested ways to protect the birds.

The need is significant with migratory shorebirds listed as amongst some of the world’s most threatened bird groups, with numbers continuing to decline.

The hope is that this small seasonal change will help bring the birds back to an important coastal habitat, while allowing dog owners to continue enjoying most of their favourite walking spots.