AT THE Thursday, October 16 Ordinary Meeting, Sunshine Coast Council adopted the Sunshine Coast Shorebird Conservation Plan 2025–30, which outlines a strategic roadmap to protect the region’s declining shorebird populations.

Council has described the plan as a balanced approach which will help the “little battlers” some of which are now at risk of extinction.

To do this, the plan will promote steps to reduce threats, protect critical habitat and foster community partnerships. The plan incorporates extensive input from the local community, Traditional Owners, community groups, researchers and government agencies.

One such ‘threat’ is limiting the dog off-leash access at the popular North Shore Dog Beach.

Cr. Joe Natoli praised the plan and stated it was a win for environmental protection and preservation. It was Cr. Natoli’s comments in regards to dogs that caused concern amongst local dog owners and users of the popular North Shore Dog Beach.

“If I personally had my way, I would ban all dogs from beaches,” – Cr. Joe Natoli.  

“If I personally had my way, I would ban all dogs from beaches, and you might ask why do that to our beloved pooches and their owners? It’s simple, beaches and the tidal zones are the natural environment for shorebirds, it’s not the natural environment for dogs. The two just don’t mix,” Cr. Natoli said.

Online commentary in Facebook groups that support off-leash dog beaches was swift, with some stating that they felt the shorebirds’ plan is merely a covert action to limit dogs at Sunshine Coast beaches.

Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag was quick to quell online comments spreading misinformation about the plan and set the record straight on what the plan means for the North Shore Dog Beach.

Taking to social media, Cr Bunnag stated that Council had endorsed a five-year Shorebird Conservation Plan.

“What does the plan mean? It will mean that Council will be able to map high value shorebird habitat at places like North Shore (at the river mouth), limit impacts on shorebirds in these high value areas during seasonal periods, collect data, work with other agencies to help reduce impacts on shorebirds at places like Goat Island caused by Jet skis/boats and provide for advocacy on shorebird conservation more broadly.”

“What does the plan not do? Ban dogs from the North Shore Dog Beach. I’ve read on community pages that dogs have been banned at North Shore. Two-word response – deliberate misinformation,” Cr Bunnag stated.

“I know there was a lot of community angst during the consultation process for this plan, that the whole of North Shore would be closed to dogs. The draft dog off-leash area plan proposes a small seasonal closure at the river mouth and a new off-leash space at Mudjimba between Beach Accesses 127 and 130. The dog off-leash plan and proposed mapping will come to Council for consideration in the future. If endorsed, this means more off-leash space, but in a less impactful area.”

Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Councillor Maria Suarez said the shorebird plan would help the Sunshine Coast thrive as a UNESCO Biosphere where people and nature lived in balance.

“Shorebirds are in serious trouble – locally and globally,” Cr Suarez said.

“This plan is about making small but powerful local changes so we can continue to enjoy our coast while protecting the wildlife that makes it so special.”

Migratory shorebirds are among the world’s most threatened bird species, flying over 10,000km each year from Siberia and Alaska to reach our shores.

They rely on the sandbanks of the Pumicestone Passage and Maroochy River to rest, feed and build up energy for their return journey.

Steps to reduce threats to shorebirds
The plan sets a strategic framework for shorebird conservation outcomes on the Sunshine Coast.

It prioritises evidence-based outcomes such as reducing disturbance at high-value roost sites, improved signage and education, and the integration of shorebird-safe recreation planning – including alignment with the upcoming Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan.

It also provides a strong policy foundation to guide local responses and advocate for the protection of high-value shorebird habitat across our region.

Key outcomes of the shorebird plan include:
– protecting current and future high-value shorebird habitats
– effective management of local threats to shorebirds
– strengthened community education, advocacy and partnerships with Traditional Owners, researchers and the community
– integration of contemporary research and monitoring benchmarks
– alignment with national and international conservation efforts.

Next steps 
The next steps are to deliver the implementation plan, in collaboration with delivery partners and stakeholders.

The implementation plan prioritises actions, defines the timing of implementation, and identifies responsibilities and resources required.

An annual review and report on activities will be provided as part of the Sunshine Coast Council Annual Report.

A comprehensive evaluation, review, and updates (where required) will be undertaken as part of the five-year plan.
View the Shorebird plan
The Shorebird Conservation Plan 2025–30 is now available on Council’s website.

A full summary of the feedback received during community engagement and Council’s response is available at haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.