COASTAL protection works in Quinns Rocks have led to some restrictions on dog beach access but the boundaries have not been altered, according to the City of Wanneroo.
Mayor Tracey Roberts said there were beach access closures next to the area where a fourth groyne was being built.
“There have been some restrictions to beach access as works continue on the Quinns Beach long term coastal management works adjacent to the Queenscliff Park access point,” she said.
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READ NOW“Other areas of Quinns dog beach remain open including beach access locations at the existing northern groyne and Waterland Point.
“Signage at Jindalee Beach clearly states that dogs are prohibited on the beach.
“The penalty for taking a dog onto beaches that are not designated dog exercise areas is $200.”
Mrs Roberts said the City did not issue any infringements last year, but had four coastal rangers who patrolled the beaches in summer to educate people on dog beach locations and possible fines.
Controversy has dogged the designated exercise area for several years, with the council eventually deciding in 2016 to never extend the Quinns facility.
Mrs Roberts said the council initially resolved to extend the dog beach south in 2012, but reversed that decision in 2014 following strong opposition from residents.
“Council resolved to not extend the Quinns dog beach, and to instead liaise with the relevant land developer to finalise the location and timing of a dog beach location in the Alkimos area,” she said.
“In 2016, a petition was submitted requesting that the City extend the Quinns Rocks dog beach location to the north, adjacent to the stairs near the Chippy’s cafe.
“Council resolved to not extend the dog beach based on council’s 2014 resolution.”
The mayor said the City had started investigating the potential for another dog beach in the Alkimos area.
“Detailed work has been undertaken to ensure that the location of the dog beach is both legal, safe and meets the needs of the larger community,” she said.
“A legal process must be followed to ensure that a dog beach can be gazetted, including council resolution and public advertisement of the selected location.
“Recent registered dog figures demonstrate that the City currently provides for 10.39 dogs per metre of beach.
“This is in comparison to other local councils such as the City of Joondalup which provide for 25.2 dogs per metre and 21.79 dogs per metre in the City of Stirling.”
Mrs Roberts said developers were responsible for providing foreshore infrastructure such as access paths and bins.
“The timing and delivery of this infrastructure is dependent on the staging of individual land developments,” she said.
The City installed dog waste disposal bags at the Jindalee foreshore in 2015 on the path which leads to the northern dog beach access from Waterland Point. The dog beach extends 1km south from there to Camira Way.
Other dog beaches in the City are located in Yanchep and Two Rocks, and dogs can be exercised on or off a leash on all the City’s reserves – except Fred Stubbs Park in Quinns Rocks and Wanneroo Showground.
At Kingsway Sporting Complex, people may exercise dogs on a leash only but not on the netball courts.
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