Preserve Shorebirds and Their Chicks: Keep Dogs in Designated Zones

Byron Shire Council urges all dog owners to adhere to the designated off-lead areas on Byron Shire beaches, both day and night, to avoid facing substantial fnes.

“We’ve allocated ample off-lead spaces on several Byron Shire beaches, and there are compelling reasons for maintaining dogs within these designated zones,” emphasized Sarah Nagel, Manager of Public and Environmental Services at Byron Shire Council.

“As we transition from winter to spring, our endangered shorebirds are actively breeding and establishing nests in the areas where they can move freely without disturbances from dogs. Even the most gentle and smallest dogs straying beyond these designated zones can disrupt ground-nesting birds, leading to the unfortunate loss of their chicks—a tragedy we must do everything possible to prevent,” Nagel expressed.

Liz Caddick, Council’s Biodiversity Team Leader, highlighted the allure of Byron Shire’s diverse ecosystem, which attracts endangered shorebirds during their breeding and nesting season. Visitors might spot a range of birds, including the Pied Oystercatcher, Sooty Oystercatcher, Red-capped Plover, Bush Stone-curlew, and Beach Stone-curlew.

Caddick emphasized, “If a mother bird has to leave the nest for an extended period to defend it against dogs or other perceived threats, the chick could either starve or succumb to overheating in the sun.”

“Though it may sound somber, this is precisely why Council urges everyone to be mindful of nesting shorebirds and to avoid approaching them during the breeding and nesting season. This includes the period from dusk to dawn when most beaches are relatively empty, a crucial time for native wildlife,” Caddick added.

“We’re fortunate to be able to exercise our dogs off-leash on the beautiful beaches of Byron Shire. In other council areas, dogs are either required to be on a leash or are not allowed on the beach at all. It’s essential for all dog owners to take their responsibilities seriously, respecting the designated areas for the well-being of the diverse wildlife that calls our beaches home and depends on them for survival,” she emphasized. Council rangers continue to enhance their presence across Byron Shire beaches, monitoring on-lead and off-lead areas for dogs. To learn more about off-lead dog exercise zones and areas where dogs are prohibited, visit the Council’s website. For media inquiries, please contact the Council’s Media and Communications team at 02 6626 7320.