By Justin Flynn
Dogs could be permanently banned from Ocean Grove’s main beach after the committee managing the area reported 27 canine-related attacks from January to June.
Geelong’s council last Tuesday voted to put the proposed changes to the public before making a final decision.
Barwon Coast Committee of Management recommended changing Ocean Grove main beach between 13W – 16W from “conditional off-leash” to “dogs prohibited”, with an off-beach walk-through pathway.
Bellarine Peninsula dog trainer Kate Robinson supported the dog ban given the “busy nature” of the beach.
“We think it is appropriate to have a dog-free zone so families feel comfortable in using this space,” she said.
“However, there also needs to be adequate space for people to exercise their dogs at the beach.
“This includes maintaining access to the current ‘dog beach’ in Ocean Grove and access along 13th Beach.
“Adequate signage from the beach and access points is a must to ensure that all users understand where the different zones start and end.
“We also feel that council could better support and fund the rangers to ensure proper policing of the areas, particularly at peak times.”
Barwon Coast research found off-leash dogs were the “main issue” affecting beach users’ enjoyment.
The group received 164 reports of noncompliance for dog rules on beaches for the first half of this year, with 134 for incidents involving off-leash dogs in on-leash zones.
Chair of council’s safety portfolio Kylie Grzybek described issues “involving our four-legged friends” as “complex and passionate”.
“Council wants to hear from all community members on how they use the beach and what they prefer,” Cr Grzybek said.
Barwon Coast recommended three other changes including establishing a number of longer “seasonal” zones for dogs on-leash at certain times of the day during part of the year, rather than existing prohibitions.
The group also recommended creating a ‘horse zone’ west of 13th Beach Surf Lifesaving Club requiring dogs to be kept on-leash at all times and reducing the number of control orders from five to three to simplify rules for owners.
Council officers will run six weeks of public consultation beginning on 14 October with four drop-in sessions at Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.
