What new laws will mean for exercising dogs

From 3 July 2026, new local laws will shape where dogs can go across the Sunshine Coast, including some changes at beaches, rocky foreshores, sports fields and selected environment reserves.

Sunshine Coast Council is calling on people to ‘know before they go’ by checking signage, Council’s website and live mapping before heading out with their dog.

Sunshine Coast Council Manager of Regulatory Response Services Shanagh Jacobs said Council was making it easier for the community to understand the changes before heading out.

“Clear signage is being installed across beaches, parks and reserves and our online map makes it easy to check the rules for your local area before you leave home,” Ms Jacobs said.

“You can access maps through our website, so you know what to expect when you arrive.”

“Our region has 34 kilometres of dog-friendly coastline, including 16.4 kilometres off leash and 17.9 kilometres on leash, the largest in South East Queensland.

“We also have more than 1,600 kilometres of on-leash pathways, giving residents plenty of safe and enjoyable options to get out with their dogs.”

What are the new rules?

From 3 July, the new local laws will introduce:

Adjusted dog off‑leash areas at locations including Stumers Beach, Shelly Beach, Currimundi Lake, Ballinger Beach, Alexandra Headland Beach, Kings Beach and Coolum Beach to support safer shared use and respond to local conditions.
Seasonal dog restrictions at Maroochy North Shore (Twin Waters) between October and April to protect threatened migratory shorebirds, with an additional off-leash area provided at Mudjimba South to offset the seasonal closure.
Dogs will no longer be allowed at rocky foreshores including Point Perry, Point Arkwright, Point Cartwright, Moffat Headland and Caloundra Headland, to reduce stress on wildlife and protect fragile habitats.
Dogs will not be allowed on active sports playing surfaces to protect the health of players, but will be permitted on-leash in surrounding common areas and viewing spaces.
In many environment reserves, dogs will still be welcome on-leash. However, dogs will not be allowed in selected conservation, nature and bushland reserves with very high conservation values to protect plants and wildlife.
New and expanded dog off‑leash areas, including Pelican Waters, Yandina Tea Tree Park, and Banya Avenue Linear Park. Council will deliver more dog-friendly spaces, including 22 new off-leash parks and upgrades to existing sites as funding allows.

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These updates protect wildlife and sensitive environments, improve safety for people and pets, support shared use of public spaces and plan for a growing dog population, with projections of over 80,000 by 2046.

The changes have come after Sunshine Coast Council adopted the Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint 2025–45 at the December 2025 Ordinary Meeting following extensive community feedback.

Check before you visit

Signage is being updated in stages across the region. At locations where dog access is changing, updated signs will be installed from 3 July and rolled out progressively over the following weeks.

Before heading out, the community is encouraged to:

Visit Council’s website for the detailed changes
View the interactive map at pets.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au from 3 July
Check local signage

Helping everyone enjoy shared spaces

These changes are about making it easier for everyone to enjoy the Coast.

They recognise how important it is for people to spend time outdoors with their dogs, while creating a better balance across shared spaces.

The updates provide clearer guidance on where dogs are welcome, while helping protect the environment and keep shared spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone.

black large dog on beach pet registration

Maleny Enviroment Reserve walking with dog

Sports field with dog on leash

Sunshine Coast app for dog exercise areas

Enviroment Reserve with dog on leash

Responsible dog ownership

Council is supporting the community with education to help pet owners understand the changes and feel confident when out with their dogs.

Simple steps like keeping your dog on-leash where required, following local laws, staying in designated areas, picking up after your dog and supervising dogs in off-leash areas helps everyone enjoy shared spaces. Fines may apply if rules are not followed.

Visit Council’s website for more information about responsible dog ownership and education programs at sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/living-and-community/animals-and-pets/community-education