Dog walkers snap at back beach ban

Kim Waters
Residents have hit back at a council proposal to ban dogs on Point Lonsdale’s back beach.
Concerned beach-goers rejected claims that dog walking threatened a small population of endangered hooded plovers, saying council had “snuck in” the ban proposal during the tourism off-season.
Point Lonsdale Surf Club vice president Dean Zanoni said banning dogs from the beach would force walkers onto roads.
“The road behind that beach is really busy and in summer it’s an accident waiting to happen,” Mr Zanoni said.
“We’ve been contacted by a lot of people who use that beach to walk their dogs and they all think the proposal is ludicrous.
“I’ve had women call up who use their dogs for protection when running along that beach and I don’t know what council expects them to do.”
Mr Zanoni feared council’s proposal would spread to other beaches in the area.
He labelled the proposed ban a “quick, inexpensive fix”.
“Research indicates that a person walking a dog on a leash along the water’s edge poses no greater risk to the nesting hooded plover than walkers and joggers,” Mr Zanoni said.
“Birds Australia recommends that if you’re walking your dog along the beach to keep near the water’s edge. A statement from a Birds Australia pamphlet on hooded plovers says you’re guaranteed to do no harm near the water’s edge because beach nesters nest above the high tide mark.”
Point Lonsdale’s Lester Hunt said other animals were the biggest threat to the plovers.
“There are foxes, crows, feral cats, rats and other birds who attack the hooded plover eggs,” Mr Hunt said.
“Council should spend a whole lot of money on fences to keep those animals out and to prevent tourists from walking through the dunes if they’re really serious about this.
“We’re drawing up a petition to fight this proposal, and I’ve no doubt a lot of residents will join us.”
The proposed year-round dog ban extends from Point Lonsdale beach from Fellows Road to Buckleys Road.
Borough of Queenscliffe council had not returned the Independent’s call for comment before the paper went to print this week.
Council will consider submissions against the proposal until July 30.