The changes will mean dogs and their owners will now be able to enjoy Birubi Beach off lead at all times between May and September and as well as between 5pm and 9am from October to April.

Council is also trialling changes to off lead times at Boat Harbour beach over the next 3 months. As part of the trial, dogs are allowed off lead at all times from August to September. In October, dogs will be allowed off lead between 5pm and 9am or on lead at all times.

The changes come into effect and the trial begins from Wednesday 4 August. Signage is currently being installed.

Community and Recreation Coordinator Brock Lamont says consultation has been key to the changes.

“We know people love being able to exercise their dogs in the many beautiful locations we have in Port Stephens. We also need to balance this with the way that other members of the community like to use these spaces,” he said.

“We asked our community in May what they thought of proposed changes to dog off lead areas in Anna Bay, Boat Harbour and Fishermans Bay and had a great response from these communities.

“The feedback from dog owners and non-dog owners alike was really constructive and helped us come up with a plan that is equitable for all users.

“As a result, dogs will be permitted off lead on Birubi Beach from May to September, outside the lifeguard patrol season.

“Council has also decided to trial changes that will allow dogs off lead at Boat Harbour beach at certain times. We’re encouraging people who use Boat Harbour beach to let us know what they think of the changes so that we can make an informed decision at the end of the trial.

“We’ve put new signs up at Birubi and temporary signage at Boat Harbour, with the hope of hosting a community event in the coming months to help educate the community about the changes,” he said.

The changes to dog off lead areas are:

Birubi Beach Reserve

• Dogs are permitted off lead at all times between May and September.
• Dogs are permitted off lead from 5pm to 9am between October and April.
• Dogs are permitted on lead at any time but not within 100 metres of the beach patrol areas.

Boat Harbour beach

• 3 month trial commencing Wednesday 4 August 2021
• Dogs are permitted off lead at all times between August and September 2021
• Dogs are permitted off lead from 5pm to 9am in October 2021
• Dogs are permitted on lead at any time

The proposed changes for Boat Harbour south headland and Fishermans Bay Park were not adopted by Council. The existing rules will remain, which are:

Boat Harbour — south and north headland

• Iluka Reserve (south neadland), Boat Harbour to remain off lead within existing boundaries at all times.
• Dogs are prohibited on Boat Harbour north headland.

Fishermans Bay Park

• Fishermans Bay Park remains off lead for the entire area at all times.

Find out more about the changes and have your say. View dog parks and off lead areas in Port Stephens.