Project Overview

Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback on the Draft Dog and Cat Management Plan 2026-2030.

From 20 April to 12 May 2026, Council sought feedback on the Draft Dog and Cat Management Plan 2026-2030. The consultation period was extended to allow additional opportunities for community participation.

The Dog and Cat Management Plan is a legislative requirement under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 and sets out Council's strategic approach to responsible pet ownership, animal management, public safety, compliance and education over the next five years.

This five‑year plan focuses on improving the management of dogs and cats across our community, with strategies designed to reduce common animal‑related issues.

The plan also aims to keep the community informed about dog and cat management activities and the legislation that guides Council’s approach.

Consultation Summary

From 20 April to 12 May 2026, Council sought feedback on the Draft Dog and Cat Management Plan 2026-2030. The consultation period was extended to allow additional opportunities for community participation.
The community were able to provide feedback through

  • an online survey
  • written feedback by email or mail
  • phone submissions

What we heard

A total of 50 people participated in the consultation, including 44 online survey responses, 6 hardcopy survey responses, and 1 submission from BirdLife Australia.

Five key themes emerged from the engagement.

The most significant theme related to dog management, particularly on beaches, parks and other shared public spaces. Feedback highlighted differing community views regarding off-leash access, compliance, public safety, dog exercise opportunities and impacts on wildlife. Many dog owners emphasised the benefits of accessible off-leash areas, while others called for stronger controls and enforcement.

Many participants expressed a desire for increased compliance and enforcement activities, particularly regarding dogs off-leash, dog faeces, and responsible pet ownership. There was also strong support for ongoing community education programs and greater awareness of owner responsibilities.

A large proportion of submissions focused on the proposed changes to By-law 5 relating to dogs around playgrounds. Community feedback demonstrated a diversity of views, with some residents supporting additional controls for child safety and others raising concerns about reducing access to existing off-leash recreation spaces. Suggestions included fencing playgrounds, spatial zoning and site-specific approaches.

Residents also raised concerns regarding roaming cats, impacts on neighbouring properties and wildlife, cat containment and enforcement. Suggestions included cat registration, containment measures and increased education to encourage responsible cat ownership.

Council also received feedback from BirdLife Australia regarding the protection of Hooded Plovers and the impacts of dogs on sensitive coastal wildlife areas. This feedback has been considered in the final Plan.

Changes we are making following community feedback

Following consultation, the feedback received was reviewed and considered during finalisation of the Dog and Cat Management Plan 2026-2030. Council determined that the issues raised through consultation can be effectively addressed through the actions and strategies included within the plan

The final plan was presented to Council for endorsement and subsequently provided to the Dog and Cat Management Board in accordance with legislative requirements.

Conclusion and next steps

The Council report and full engagement findings were presented to Council on 14 July 2026 for endorsement.

Click here to read the Council agenda

Next Steps

The Plan will be published in January 2027 and will guide Council's activities over the next five years, including:

  • Promoting responsible dog and cat ownership.
  • Supporting compliance and education programs.
  • Managing off-leash and on-leash areas.
  • Responding to nuisance and safety concerns.
  • Protecting wildlife and environmentally sensitive areas.
  • Delivering animal management services in accordance with legislative requirements.

Importantly, following a separate consultation on Council's By-laws, the proposed broad requirement to keep dogs leashed around all playgrounds was not adopted. Instead, Council will consider site-specific solutions where concerns arise, including fencing, targeted restrictions and other appropriate management measures.