Visitors to North Stradbroke Island over the Australia Day long weekend are being urged to keep their dogs on leads after an injured koala was mauled last weekend.
Straddie Camping CEO Clare Carroll is appealing to anyone who visits Straddie with their dog to keep the animal on a lead at all times.
“There are currently only two areas on North Stradbroke Island where it is lawful to have a dog off a leash and this is conditional on the animal being under the control of the owner,” said Ms Carroll.
The plea to dog owners comes after bush fires earlier this month scorched more than half of the Island’s bushland.
“There is a large number of displaced wildlife wandering around the island looking for a new habitat. Domestic dogs are a threat to these native animals.
“We are appealing to visitors and Stradbroke Island locals alike to ensure that their dogs are kept under control and on leads in public areas at all times,” said Ms Carroll.
Ms Carroll said that most beach campers are tired of a minority doing the wrong thing.
“Our visitor feedback shows pet owners love to camp with their dogs and that is one of the unique attractions of holidaying on North Stradbroke Island.
Over 20,000 campers have stayed in the Main Beach and Flinders Beach campgrounds in the past year.
Both Straddie Camping and Redland City Council are increasing the number of rangers patrolling the Island ensuring dog regulation compliance. Fines of up to $550 can apply
Minjerribah Recreation Area is part of North Stradbroke Island covering Flinders Beach from Amity Point to Adder Rock and all of Main Beach to Jumpinpin. In the state’s recreation areas, nature-based recreation is encouraged but carefully planned and managed to protect these places for conservation.
Ms Carroll said the Minjerribah Recreation Area is the only recreation area in Queensland which permits dogs.
All dogs in the Minjerribah Recreation Area must be on leashes at all times. There are no-off leash areas in this part of North Stradbroke Island.
“All dogs, within the, Main and Flinders Beach camp grounds must be tied up at night and they need to be on a lead at all other times.
“The ability to camp with dogs is one of the unique experiences offered on Straddie, Beach goers and campers need to keep their dogs leashed to ensure wildlife are given the best chance to recuperate after the bushfire."
