FED-UP Coochiemudlo Island residents have taken their fight to the sand, staging a beach protest against what they say is a crackdown on canine freedom – accusing Redland City Council of going overboard with “heavy-handed” dog-walking rules.
Locals say rangers are targeting islanders with over-the-top enforcement – even tracking dog owners near the golf club and outside private homes.
A private Messenger group, Coochie Dog Lovers, has swelled to more than 100 members, many using it to warn residents when officers board the barge at Victoria Point or begin patrolling the island.
Some islanders have vented in dramatic fashion – likening Council patrols to wartime watchmen – while others have raised deeper concerns about what they see as over-the-top surveillance and a lack of common sense from Council, especially on an island with no designated off-leash dog park.
Island local Rob Bradley said many residents believed the crackdown had crossed a line – with reports of officers snooping near the golf club and even lurking outside people’s homes.
“This isn’t just about dogs being on or off-leash – it’s about the way these rules are enforced,” Mr Bradley said.
“Sitting outside someone’s home to monitor barking, or patrolling beaches and parks in a way that feels like surveillance, raises serious concerns.
“Most of us are responsible pet owners who just want to enjoy the island with our dogs
in a reasonable, respectful way.”
He said locals weren’t against rules to protect the island’s environment – but slammed the current restrictions – which only allow 24-hour off-leash beach access for four months of the year – as out of touch.
“We don’t have a dog park here. If we want to walk our dogs off-leash, we’d have to travel off the island every day – which is simply not practical,” online member Catherine said.
She also pointed out it’s not just the dogs who benefit from beach time – saying the outings are just as important for the wellbeing of owners.
“Many residents, especially those who live alone, rely on those daily walks to socialise and stay connected with others in the community,” Catherine added.
“It helps with mental health and reduces isolation.”
Residents say the island’s official dog-walking zone is tiny – a 500m stretch of Main Beach.
With around three kilometres of beach around Coochiemudlo, most of it is off-limits to dogs all year.
Dogs on a leash are even banned from the popular Melaleuca Wetlands walking trail.
Council says these tough rules protect migratory shorebirds that feed and nest on the foreshore.
But locals argue the dog-friendly beach is nowhere near the sensitive mudflats where the birds gather – leaving many to question the fairness of the restrictions.
“The migratory birds don’t actually use the beach we walk on – they’re much further down,” Catherine said.
“Why can’t Council consider relocating the off-leash area to a section of beach that’s even further from those zones, instead of banning dogs altogether during certain months?
“Maybe there needs to be a proper survey of where and when the birds are actually using the area.”
Others say well-behaved, leashed dogs walking calmly with their owners pose little threat to wildlife – and the strict rules ignore how responsible pet owners behave.
A Council spokesperson said the patrols and regulations were focused on community safety and protecting the island’s unique environment.
“Council received three complaints of dog attacks on Coochiemudlo Island in the 2024-2025 financial year – one was on another dog, and two involved people.
“One of these incidents involved a child being bitten on the face by a dog,” the spokesperson said.
“In total, Council received seven complaints of dogs straying or being walked off-leash on the island during that period. In all incidents the dogs were either being walked off-leash or straying.
“Council undertakes patrols on all islands and the mainland both proactively and in response to complaints.
“Any increase in patrols will be in response to a direct increase in complaints or due to an increase in the threat to community safety.”
The spokesperson said penalties could include infringement notices, a dog being declared dangerous or menacing, or prosecution.
“As of 31 July, last year, the Queensland Government introduced increased penalties for general off-leash offences – up from $322 to $834.
“Higher penalties are applicable for declared dangerous or menacing dogs that are exercised off-leash,” they said.
“Straying dogs or dogs being walked off-leash pose a risk to the community, and Council encourages all dog owners to walk their dogs on lead, unless being exercised in a designated off-leash area, and ensure dogs are adequately contained while on their property.”
