Central Coast Council has reviewed its Dog Management Policy to ensure it remains up-to-date, easy to understand, and aligned with the Dog Control Act 2000 (Tasmania). Thank you to everyone who contributed feedback during the consultation period — your input directly shaped the final version of the policy.

What We Heard

Throughout the consultation, community members shared a wide range of views about dog access, safety, and responsible ownership. Key themes included:

• Clarity of rules — People wanted simpler, more consistent information about where dogs are allowed on and off lead.
• Beach access — Many submissions focused on dog-friendly beaches, balancing recreational use with environmental and safety considerations.
• Signage — Strong feedback that beach and reserve signage needs to be clearer and more visible.
• Enforcement and education — Community members highlighted the importance of education, as well as fair and consistent enforcement of the rules.
• General support for responsible dog ownership — Most respondents supported measures that help keep people, wildlife, and dogs safe.

Our Approach

To update the policy, Council:

1. Reviewed community feedback gathered through the My Central Coast engagement platform, email submissions, and stakeholder discussions.
2. Assessed requirements under the Dog Control Act 2000, ensuring the policy complies with statutory obligations.
3. Aligned the policy to Council’s Strategic Plan (Our Place – Our Future 2024–2034), particularly the priorities of community safety, communication and customer experience, and operational excellence.
4. Integrated feedback into a revised draft ensuring clearer language, updated maps, and strengthened guidance around dog access and management.

Outcome

Council has adopted the updated Dog Management Policy, which will:

• Take effect on 1 February 2026.
• Replace the previous policy.
• Include clearer rules, improved structure, and updated provisions to support responsible dog ownership.

As part of implementation, all beach signage will be updated to reflect the new requirements and make it easier for dog owners to understand where dogs are allowed and under what conditions.

A copy of the final policy can be viewed here.

What’s Next?

Before 1 February:

• Updated beach and reserve signage will be installed.
• Information on dog access areas will be refreshed across Council’s website and social channels.
• A summary of key changes will be made available to help the community prepare.

Council thanks everyone who took the time to provide feedback. Your input has helped ensure our approach reflects local values, supports responsible ownership, and keeps our shared spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone.

The draft Dog Management Policy 2025 sets out how dogs are managed across the Central Coast.

The policy outlines proposed changes to declared areas (including beaches, sportsgrounds, and public spaces), as well as clearer guidance on responsible dog ownership.

By reviewing the draft policy, you’ll see exactly what is being proposed and how it may affect dog owners, families, and the wider community.

We encourage you to read the full draft before providing your feedback via the interactive map or survey. Your input will help ensure the final policy reflects community needs while meeting Council’s legislative responsibilities.

Whether you’re a dog owner or not, the Dog Management Policy affects everyone in our community. We want to hear your views on the proposed changes — from beach access and declared areas to responsible ownership measures. Your input will help Council strike the right balance between the needs of dog owners, non-dog owners, and the protection of our natural environment.

Thank you for providing your feedback. The Feedback period is now closed.

Whether you’re a dog owner or not, the Dog Management Policy affects everyone in our community. We want to hear your views on the proposed changes — from beach access and declared areas to responsible ownership measures. Your input will help Council strike the right balance between the needs of dog owners, non-dog owners, and the protection of our natural environment.

Some parts of the policy are set by law, but there are plenty of areas where your feedback can make a real difference. We’d especially like to hear your thoughts on:

• The proposed changes to dog access on beaches, parks, and other public places.
• How we balance the needs of dog owners, non-dog owners, and protecting our environment.
• What responsible dog ownership should look like, so that everyone can safely enjoy our shared spaces.

There are also some parts of the policy that Council doesn’t get to decide — these are set by law or needed for community safety. They include:

• The legal requirement for Council to have a Dog Management Policy under the Dog Control Act 2000.
• State rules that already apply, such as no dogs in schools, playgrounds, swimming pools, and shopping centres.
• Safety and environmental protections that are essential and not open to change.