Budds Beach is a quiet residential enclave, and the Reserve Park is mainly used by local residents, rather than tourists.  Since the State Government introduced changes to the Body Corporate & Community Management Act to facilitate pet ownership in strata title buildings, the number of dogs in the area has increased dramatically.

A survey of Budds beach high strata title buildings revealed that more than 15% of owners have pets, mostly dogs. The level of dog ownership in villas and houses in Budds Beach is likely much higher. The majority of dog owners are older residents, many of whom no longer drive or find it inconvenient to drive to other suburbs to exercise their dogs off leash. 

The area that we seek for dog off leash use is the least used part of the Reserve, as the toilets, BBQs, picnic sheds and tables, the children’s playground and the boat ramp are located at the northern end from Bumbles Café onwards, with the timber deck at Pine Ave creating a barrier to deter dogs from roaming outside of the designated area. Thus, there will be ample opportunity for residents and families to use that area - the largest part of the Reserve - and all facilities without unleashed dogs being present.