The Beachmere foreshore has been a popular place for dog walkers, horse riders and families, and from 1 December 2025, updated recreation zones took effect to better balance everyday use with environmental protection.
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The changes followed community feedback, environmental assessments and consultation with the Kabi Kabi People’s Aboriginal Corporation. Local officials said the updated layout aimed to safeguard important roosting and foraging areas for migratory shorebirds while still keeping the foreshore accessible for recreation.
One of the main updates was the introduction of a 13-hectare Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) at the southern end of Biggs Avenue. Moreton Bay said this dedicated year-round area formed part of a broader plan to reduce disturbance to sensitive habitat zones.
A seasonal DOLA at Bayside Drive also came into effect. Dogs are permitted off-leash there from 1 May to 31 July each year, and the area becomes on-leash from 1 August to 30 April. Council said this seasonal approach reflected shorebird protection requirements, particularly during periods when migratory species use the foreshore.
Local officials noted that dogs can disturb shorebirds’ feeding and resting patterns, and the seasonal structure was designed with this in mind. The updated signage, installed ahead of 1 December, was intended to help clarify where dogs could be off-leash or on-leash.
For horse riders, dedicated exercise areas between Beachmere Conservation Park and Louise Drive were retained. Council said this ensured continued access for riders while still supporting environmental protections in nearby areas.
On-leash dog recreation areas between Biggs Avenue and Prince Street were also maintained. Council described these sections as a middle ground that allowed families to bring their dogs while supporting the updated management approach along the foreshore.
The messaging around the changes emphasised practical reasons—particularly the importance of protecting endangered migratory shorebirds that travel long distances to reach Moreton Bay each year. Council said maintaining suitable habitat was essential for both the birds and the region’s environmental responsibilities.
City officials acknowledged the community’s role in shaping the final plan, noting that local feedback helped guide the size and position of the revised recreation areas. The City of Moreton Bay reported that consultation highlighted a desire for clearer boundaries and improved communication about environmental considerations.
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Signage installation began ahead of the December changeover, and the City of Moreton Bay prepared community education activities to help residents and visitors understand the updated layout. The aim, according to the city’s officials, was to encourage a shared approach where recreation and conservation could coexist effectively along the Beachmere foreshore.
Featured image credit: Clement Briancon/Google Maps
Published 8-December-2025
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