Barwon Coast and the City of Greater Geelong are seeking feedback on the second year of a dog-free area trial at Ocean Grove Main Beach.
The dog-free trial commenced on Ocean Grove Main Beach on 1 January 2021 and runs until the end of 2022.
Year One of the trial in 2021 allowed for dog access to the area on lead from 1 May to 30 November, with dogs banned for the remainder of the year.
Feedback is now being sought on year two of the trial, which has created a section of the Main Beach that is dog-free all year.
The dog free area is between 13W Hodgson St beach access stairs and the 15W beach access stairs at the western end of the promenade in front of the Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club. This accounts for approximately 805 metres of beach.
Mayor Peter Murrihy said feedback from both dog walkers and non-dog walkers on the dog-free trial area is encouraged.
“This is a challenging issue because dog control orders often generate passionate and contrasting views between dog owners and non-dog owners,” he said.
“Many people who live in and visit Ocean Grove enjoy walking their dog on the beach. We also know that some people want to enjoy a section of the beach that is dog-free.”
Two drop-in information sessions will be held at Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club training room on Saturday August 20 and Tuesday August 23 from 9am to 11.30am.
Feedback is open until Sunday 25 September 2022 via yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/ocean-grove-main-beach-dog-controls-trial
