Dog beach ‘victory’

Kim Waters
OBJECTORS have triumphed over plans to ban dogs on Point Lonsdale’s back beach, according to their spokepserson.
Darren Zanoni said Borough of Queenscliffe’s backdown on the proposed ban was a win for both dog owners and endangered hooded plovers nesting on the beach.
Councillors have voted to allow residents to walk leashed dogs along the beach despite concerns for the plovers.
Residents presented a 712 signature petition and more than 105 submissions to council against the proposal.
Objectors had also circulated posters and brochures as part of their campaign against the ban, which council controversially proposed in May.
Dog owners rejected claims that walking their pets threatened plovers nesting between Fellows and Buckleys roads.
A Queenscliff council spokesperson said the borough was now working with City of Greater Geelong on protecting the plovers.
Mr Zanoni was “very happy” with council’s decision.
“It’s a win for ratepayers and we’d like to thank all the people who put in submissions against the ban,” Mr Zanoni said.
“It’s also a win for the birds as well because it’s brought their plight out in the open.
“We’re all for protecting endangered species and now the public knows how serious the situation is and how to better protect the birds.”
Mr Zanoni hoped dog owners would “abide by the rules”.
“This is a good win for us and we’re hoping residents stick to the guidelines and keep their dogs restrained on their leads.”
Geelong Environment Council’s Joan Lindros was “disappointed” with council’s decision.
“People have observed that in areas where dogs are meant to be on leads only one in eight actually are,” she said.
“There are only 400 or so of these hooded plovers left in Australia and it’s very important we protect them.”
Ms Lindros said dog walkers had ignored beach signs instructing them to keep their pets on leashes.
“They’ve had signs up in the area warning people to control their dogs and walk below the high tide mark but people haven’t obeyed that,” she said.
“People should realise that there are alternative places to walk their dogs so we can protect these critically endangered birds.”