Should there be a dog on-leash only beach in Cockburn?

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Consultation has concluded

Thank you for your feedback. Comments are closed. View the news feed below for more information on the progress of this engagement.


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

Thank you for your feedback. Comments are closed. View the news feed below for more information on the progress of this engagement.


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.


Have your say

Closes 5pm, Friday 5 November 2021
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Consultation has concluded 
The City has commissioned CATALYSE® Pty Ltd, an independent research company, to undertake this survey. Please be assured that this study will adhere with the Privacy Act and The Research Society guidelines. Your responses will be strictly confidential. Personal information will only be used to verify responses.

icon of brochureMore information
View the information brochure in the document library
Contact the City of Cockburn on 08 9411 3444 or [email protected]



Consultation has concluded

  • Project Update: February 2022

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Following community consultation in late 2021, a feedback summary was compiled and presented to Council for consideration at the 10 February 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting. To view the feedback summary and meeting agenda, visit the City of Cockburn website here.

    Key consultation findings

    • The survey attracted 1,986 responses, of which 1,682 self-identified themselves as Cockburn ratepayers.
    • When presented with four options (3 options with a proposed dog on-leash area and 1 option without a dog on-leash area), 67% of respondents preferred an option with a dog on-leash only section of the beach.
    • Overall, there was greatest support for Option A (200m of Chelydra Point Beach, which is currently dog prohibited, and up to 400m of the southern end of C.Y. O’Connor Beach dog exercise area). 63% of respondents support this option, and 45% prefer this option.
    • When responses were weighted to reflect dog ownership in the general population, 60% of overall respondents prefer to have a dog on-leash only section of the beach along the coast.
    • Option A is preferred for six principal reasons:
      1. The safety and comfort of on-leash dogs and beach users.
      2. Some dogs can only be exercised on a leash, such as anxious and reactive dogs.
      3. Dog owners want more flexible options for exercising their dogs.
      4. This area of the beach can be delineated more clearly to avoid conflict between on-leash and off-leash dogs.
      5. This area provides sufficient space.
      6. It is the fairest option to accommodate all types of beach users.

    Outcomes

    In line with the consultation findings, Council voted to establish a new on-leash dog beach at the following location:

    • 200m of Chelydra Point Beach (Lot 2161 McTaggart Cove) and 400m of the adjoining southern end of the C.Y. O’Connor Beach dog exercise area. 

    The change will come into effect on 14 March 2022 following an advertising period.

    To ensure the beach is enjoyed by all and community members comply with the on-leash requirements, Council has approved additional funds to install extra Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in the area. Additional signage, delineation markers and ranger patrols will also be implemented.

    For more information visit the City of Cockburn website.

  • Project Update: December 2021

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Thank you for your feedback

    During November 2021 we asked for your views on whether there should be a dog on-leash only beach in Cockburn. We received over 1,000 comments. Thank you for having your say.

    Feedback is now being compiled and assessed.

    Key findings will be presented to Council for consideration at the February 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting. A copy of the meeting agenda and details of the meeting will be published on the City of Cockburn website a week prior to the meeting. Meetings are open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend.