My name is a passionate dog owner and retiree, regularly usin Sunshine coast council run caravan parks. I've recently been confronted with an unforeseen expense, diminishing the joy of dog ownership and intruding on my hard-earned retirement. The Sunshine Coast Council has instigated a daily $5 charge at owned pet-friendly caravan parks, exploiting dog owners, many of whom, like myself, are living on a fixed income.

There is no tangible gain for dog owners in return for this fee, which appears solely orchestrated for revenue collection. To illustrate, a single local park, Coolum Caravan Park, with 113 dog-friendly sites, if fully occupied, would generate $3,995 per week or an astounding $205,660 per annum from this fee alone. And there are two additional dog-friendly parks included in this revenue scheme.

 These caravan parks turnover are in the millions per year based on their current site charges 

The enormity of this income is distressing when considering the negligible services in return for these charges. As equal tax-paying citizens, dog owners should not be burdened with such a biased cost on a day-to-day basis. It's an unfair and excessive imposition on dog owners, making it increasingly difficult for dog owners to afford a simple pleasure in life – enjoying a time at the caravan parks with their pets. It's slowly ostracising dog owners and their beloved pets from from their caravan parks that should be a basic enjoyment for all

We call for the council to reconsider this policy and cease charging daily fees at dog-friendly caravan parks. Our community cherishes our four-legged companions. Let's sustain a place where everyone, including our pets, without added financial strain. We urge all dog owners, residents of Sunshine Coast QLD, and anyone who supports pet freindly caravan parks at no extra cost to pet owners to voice their concern. Please sign this petition and share it with others. Together we can make a difference.