We urge Redland City Council (RCC) to reject the proposed change in their Animal Management Law Review 2026 that would allow dogs to be walked on-leash on additional foreshore and seashore areas on Coochiemudlo Island. Proposal 5 in the Review document includes a graphic that indicates the very long stretch of our accessible shoreline, along numerous beaches, that RCC proposes to open up for dog walking (see the red line marked in banner image). 

This proposal has come out of the blue. It has shocked many of us because the shoreline and seashore outlined in the proposal are currently off limits to dogs, and have been for decades. Many of us look out for the island's environment. A proposal to open up nearly all of our accessible beaches to dogs feels half-baked, or worse, like we are being played.

We understand that local government needs to listen to all its constituents. Except no information was shared with the whole community, as part of RCC's process in formulating Proposal 5. The lack of information from local government about a such a significant and impactful change for the island, prior to reading the Review, has not gone unnoticed.

Strong reasons to say no to the proposal  

We already have a beach where dogs are allowed on leash, and seasonally off leash, enjoyed by dog-owner residents and visitors. Others keep pushing for more.  Our small island is  just a short ferry ride from the mainland.  Many dog owners  regularly breach animal management rules — non-compliance and enforcement are persistent problems, and will worsen if this proposal gets accepted. 

Our existing dog beach is enjoyed, an attraction for dog owners. As the island's population and SE Queensland increases, more dogs are brought onto the island.  Having many dogs on virtually all of our accessible shoreline, currently restricted to dogs, will be too much. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Some people fear dogs.  

This proposal will put more strain on the island’s environment and wildlife which Redland City Council already recognises as a consideration in its Review. Coochiemudlo Island is in Moreton Bay, a marine park. The island's Ramsar-listed Melaleuca Wetlands is located near a section of shoreline that is included in this proposal. Shorebirds frequent our beaches although numbers have declined over years.  We don't want them to vacate forever.

As one island resident put it, "Proposals like this tries to move Coochiemudlo Island closer to being JUST LIKE EVERYWHERE ELSE. Isn't the whole point of living on, or visiting Coochiemudlo … that it's NOT just like everywhere else? The island’s Emerald Fringe is unique among Queensland’s inhabited islands. This is of great value — because it makes our island foreshore quite unlike any other."

The island's natural environment and peaceful beaches are for everyone to enjoy. 

Please say no to RCC’s proposal. Closing date TBA.

Documentation needed to support your No vote?  We've compiled a list of relevant documentation to confirm your No vote. Please search for 'No additional dog beaches on Coochiemudlo Island documentation' in a new browser tab.