Bass Coast Shire Council has officially adopted the Dogs in Public Places Guidelines 2026-2029, delivering a significant Year One action of the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) and an important milestone for dog owners, residents and visitors across Bass Coast.
The Guidelines provide a consistent, evidence-based framework to guide decisions about where dogs can be off leash, on leash and where dogs may be prohibited on Council-managed land.
Developed in consultation with the Dogs Off Leash Working Group and informed by sector best practice, the Guidelines are designed to balance the health and wellbeing benefits of dog ownership with the protection of public spaces, community safety and the natural environment.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said the adoption of the Guidelines was an important step forward in delivering on the priorities identified by the community through the DAMP.
"Getting out and about with a dog is part of the lifestyle many people enjoy in Bass Coast, whether it's a walk along the beach, a visit to a local reserve or simply spending time outdoors together," Cr Tessari said.
"These Guidelines are a major Year One milestone of the Domestic Animal Management Plan and provide a clear, consistent approach to managing dogs in public places across Bass Coast. They give Council and the community a framework for making future decisions that support responsible pet ownership and protection of our natural environment, while also ensuring our public spaces remain welcoming, safe and enjoyable for everyone."
"The strong response to the consultation shows just how important this topic is to our community. We'd like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views and help shape the final Guidelines.
Community consultation on the draft Guidelines took place during April and May through Engage Bass Coast and generated strong interest, with 227 survey responses and 22 written submissions received. Feedback from the consultation helped strengthen the final document, including a greater focus on beach access paths, protection of nesting sites, community safety, compliance activities, signage and education.
The Guidelines establish clear criteria for assessing leash-free areas, dog-prohibited areas and on-leash areas, supported by a traffic-light impact assessment system and demand analysis framework. The approach aims to deliver consistent decision-making across the municipality while balancing recreation opportunities with environmental conservation.
