We’re renewing our Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) to foster animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, creating a community where people and pets coexist peacefully and respectfully.
The DAMP outlines how Council manages:
- Training programs for authorised officers
- Strategies for promoting responsible pet ownership
- Ensuring effective animal management
- Reducing dog attack risks and minimising nuisance complaints
- Encouraging pet registrations
- Reviewing and updating local laws related to animal management
To ensure the revised DAMP reflects a wide range of community perspectives and needs, we’re seeking feedback on how we can improve domestic animal management in the Bayside area.
We are also reviewing dog off leash restrictions at Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary and all beaches within Bayside, as part of the current DAMP, to strike the right balance between fun on the sand for all visitors while protecting sensitive environments.
We understand there’s a wide range of experiences with pets in public spaces, which is why it’s important we hear from all perspectives.
We’ve listened to feedback from more than 2,000 community members to create proposed restrictions that respond to calls for longer beach access times for dogs in summer, more consistent restrictions along the foreshore, clear dog-friendly and dog free zones, and enhanced protection for the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary.
Council will take community feedback into consideration when making a decision on future restrictions at its 19 August 2025 meeting. To receive updates about this project, select the blue +Subscribe button at the top of the page.
Proposed changes aim to balance off-leash access across Bayside and within the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary – protecting sensitive environments while supporting dog owners with clear dog friendly zones and more consistent rules.
Within the Marine Sanctuary, we're proposing to:
Increase off-leash areas in the northern section (between Fourth Street and the Southern end of Beaumaris Yacht Club car park)
- There is no change proposed to the existing 24/7 off-leash zone.
The current off-leash area between the McGregor Avenue ramp and the accessible (DDA) ramp at the southern end of the Beaumaris Yacht Club car park will remain. - Restrictions would be eased to the north of the existing 24/7 off-leash beach area between Fourth street and McGregor Avenue, so dogs can be off leash in summer between 7pm and 10am (instead of on-leash between 7.30pm and 10pm) and off leash at all times during winter (instead of on-leash), creating consistency with other Bayside beaches.
Enhance environmental protection in the southern section (between Beaumaris Life Saving Club and the Sea Scouts boat ramp)
- In summer, dogs would be prohibited at all times, removing the current on-leash access between 7:30pm and 10am and removing the current off-leash section between Beaumaris Life Saving Club and Dalgetty Road.
- In winter, dogs would be permitted on-leash at all times.
- Dogs will remain prohibited at all times on the intertidal rock platforms throughout the sanctuary to protect sensitive marine life.
To help everyone enjoy Bayside’s beautiful 17km coastline in the summer, we’re proposing just two dog-free areas: Hampton Beach and the southern section of Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary. These spaces would offer a peaceful beach experience for those who prefer a dog-free environment. For dog owners, both spots are right next to beaches where dogs are welcome off-leash all day, every day.
Proposed changes will create only two areas along Bayside’s 17km coastline – Hampton Beach and the southern section of Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary – where dogs will be prohibited at all times during summer. This ensures that community members who prefer dog-free beaches have access to such spaces during the warmer months. Both Hampton Beach and Ricketts Point South are next to 24/7 permanent off-leash dog beaches.
Council will take community feedback into consideration when making a decision on future restrictions at its 19 August 2025 meeting.
To receive updates about this project, select the blue +Subscribe button at the top of the page.
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Find out where to walk your dog on and off-leash, plus your rights and responsibilities when out and about with your furry friend.
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Community feedback
Phase 1 community engagement on the DAMP and dog restrictions on beaches included surveys and group discussions.
