Bass Coast Shire Council has endorsed the Draft Dogs in Public Places Guidelines for community consultation at its April Council Meeting. Following the adoption of the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) in October last year, this marks the next important step toward a more consistent and balanced approach to managing dogs in public spaces. Alongside other priority 2026 initiatives including the Inverloch inland fenced dog park, enhanced patrols, local signage audits and messaging campaigns targeting visitors to Bass Coast, Council has prioritised early delivery of priority DAMP actions to meet community needs.
The Draft Guidelines will now go out for a four-week community consultation period, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to provide feedback before the final Guidelines are considered for adoption.
The Guidelines are a key Year One action of the DAMP and respond directly to the strong community interest in how dogs are managed across beaches, parks and reserves.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, said the draft guidelines aim to strike the right balance between the benefits of dog ownership and the need to protect shared spaces and the natural environment.
"Our community clearly told us that they want a more consistent and easier to understand approach to dogs in public places," Cr Halstead said.
"These draft guidelines aim to create that clarity, while recognising that our open spaces are shared by many people and are also home to important local wildlife."
The draft guidelines introduce a more consistent, Bass Coast wide framework for where dogs can be on or off leash and where they are not permitted. The guidelines are supported by clear criteria and improved planning for dog-friendly spaces.
Cr Halstead acknowledged that this is an issue people feel strongly about and encouraged the community to have their say.
"We know there are a range of views in our community when it comes to dogs in public spaces," she said.
"Dogs play an important role in many households, supporting health and wellbeing, and we want to make sure there are great spaces for them. At the same time, we need to protect our environment and ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable in our shared places."
"This consultation is a really important opportunity for people to help shape the final guidelines, and I encourage everyone to get involved."
The Draft Guidelines have been developed in consultation with Council Officers, key stakeholders and the Dogs Off Leash Working Group, alongside broader engagement undertaken as part of the Domestic Animal Management Plan.
