A GROUP of passionate dog lovers has been very busy since February and is actively working hard behind the scenes to ensure that their beloved beach area at Stumers Creek remains off-leash.
Sunshine Coast Council has proposed changes to dog beaches along the Sunshine Coast and earlier this year released the Draft Dog Exercise Area Plan and asked for community submissions. It is hoped that the findings from the community consultation and the future of Sunshine Coast dog beaches will be announced later in the year.
Just like a dog with a bone, the Save Stumers Creek Off-Leash Dog Beach group, which is now incorporated, is not letting the matter go. Spokesperson Bree Logie stated that the group held the awareness day on Sunday, July 6, as a way to keep the community engaged.
“We wanted to give people an update on what we have been up to, such as becoming incorporated and the results from our data collection.”
Via surveys, online polls in Facebook groups and emails, the group has been working tirelessly since February to get as much data as possible and to gauge what the community wants to see happen at Stumers Creek.
“Overwhelmingly, people do not want this area to change, and they do not want it to become an on-leash dog beach,” Bree said.
“We are now preparing all of our data to give to Council, and we will have that with them in a succinct report soon.”
The awareness day also had a dog trainer there who provided valuable knowledge on how to look after dogs in public spaces, and Bree stated that education is key.
“We really want to work with Council and become a stakeholder – we want to utilise our skills as a group and help with the management of these public spaces where dogs are allowed, and by now being incorporated, we are formally making this a possibility.”
For more information on the Stumers Creek Off Leash Dog Beach Association Inc please visit their Facebook page at Save Stumers Creek off-leash dog beach.
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