Background

Between 2016 and 2020, dogs were permitted on-leash only at Woodman Point Beach in the City of Cockburn. This area is managed by state government agencies which do not support dogs accessing the beach. Since changing to a dog prohibited beach in 2020, some members of the community have requested the City of Cockburn explore options for a potential dog on-leash only beach.

Four options are approved for public comment:

• Option A: Establish approximately 200m of Chelydra Point Beach (currently dog prohibited) and up to 400m of the southern end of C.Y. O’Connor Beach dog exercise area, as a dog on-leash only area. View a map in the document library.
• Option B: Keep Chelydra Point Beach as a dog prohibited area and establish up to approximately 400m of the southern end of C.Y. O’Connor Beach dog exercise area as a dog on-leash only area. View a map in the document library.
• Option C: Within the Jervoise Bay Beach dog exercise area, establish a dog on-leash only area during certain times of the day and maintain it as a dog exercise area for the remainder of the time. View a map in the document library.
• Option D: Do not establish a dog on-leash only area at any of the City’s beaches, keeping the current dog exercise areas unchanged. View a map in the document library.

Community feedback will be considered, alongside other factors, as part of the decision-making process. With limited coastal areas within the City of Cockburn, Council must consider competing views, needs and risks associated with mixed and single use areas. The findings will form part of a report being prepared for Council. The aim is to present this report to Council at the February 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting.