We, the local community, are united in our opposition to the draft Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint put forth by the Sunshine Coast Council regarding Dogs Off Leash Areas (DOLAs) on the beach. Our primary concern revolves around the proposed restrictions on the Moffat Headland rock shelf, which would prevent dogs from entering a distance of 100 metres east of beach access 275 (Moffat rock shelf entry) to 276 at all times. We urge the council to reject these proposed changes and maintain the current restrictions for Moffat Beach and the Moffat Headland rock shelf, which includes the same distance of 100 metres east of beach access 275 to 276.

In the council's draft proposal, they noted that one of the critical needs identified by community focus groups is to: “Consider increased dog off-leash access to specific beaches at certain times of the day.”

While the council aims to create a sustainable blueprint for the future by establishing new dog exercise areas and enhancing existing ones to meet the demands of a growing population, the suggested reduction of 650 metres of access space at Moffat Beach does not reflect the community's needs as articulated by the council itself. Furthermore, the proposal lacks data and a clear rationale regarding the Moffat Beach headland and rock shelf, which fails to justify the decrease in dog accessibility.

As community members, we expect to be supported by our council representatives to reflect our community’s wishes.