Tweed Shire News
New program to promote dog leashing in high conservation areas – Tweed Shire Council

New program to promote dog leashing in high conservation areas
Take the Lead behaviour change campaign to roll out across the Tweed
Tweed Shire Council has launched Take the Lead, a new behaviour change program aimed at reducing the number of dogs off-leash in high conservation value areas and other public places in the Tweed.
The program will focus on 4 on-leash areas with known threatened species including Bush Stone-curlews and loggerhead and green turtles at:
- Casuarina/Kingscliff
- Fingal Head
- Hastings Point
- Wooyung
The program runs from October 2022 to January 2023 and will involve new ‘doggy hubs’ at beach entrances, a social media campaign and the roll-out of increased enforcement patrols from Council officers with the support of the NSW Police.

Leo the cavoodle is excited to be on the lead as he heads to the beach for a walk.
Council’s project officer – wildlife protection Emily Clarke said this important program was being rolled out after a successful pilot program.
“When Council conducted covert observations of dog walkers in these locations last year, we found close to 75% of people were exercising their dogs off leash,” Ms Clarke said.
“The pilot program has shown us that a campaign which includes a combination of social media, doggy engagement hubs and increased enforcement activities can help to achieve a measurable change in dog owner behaviour, leading to a reduction in the number of dogs off-leash in high conservation value areas and other public places in the Tweed.
“This program will help protect our local wildlife but it’s also about making sure the beaches are safe and enjoyable for people and other pets too.
“It’s important we act as caretakers for our environment to pass on to our next generation – we want to work together with the community to protect our precious wildlife in the Tweed.”
Council officers will be issuing fines throughout the enforcement blitz across Tweed beaches over the next few months and will remind people to keep their dogs leashed in these sensitive areas.
“Don’t risk a fine which is $330 for walking a dog off-leash unless it’s in a designated off-leash area,” Ms Clarke said.
New signage has been installed at some beach entrances to prompt residents and visitors to keep their dogs leashed as they walk onto the beach.
“We’ve created useful ‘doggy hubs’ with signage, dog water bowls and dog poo bags. Each sign also includes a QR code linking to an interactive map to quickly find designated off-leash areas.”
Take the Lead has been developed by Tweed Shire Council with key stakeholders and the community through a collaborative design process. It’s part of Council’s commitment to work together to reduce our impact on the natural environment.
This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.

Councillor James Owen, Wildlife Protection Project Officer Emily Clarke and Coastal Ranger Wayne Haayer were on hand to talk to residents at the launch of the Take the Lead campaign.
Find out where you can walk your dog at tweed.nsw.gov.au/where-can-I-walk-my-dog.
Breaking News
Tweed Citizen of the Year 2025: Mic Julien

Breaking News
Baseball Returns to Tweed with New Arkinstall Park Facilities

News and Reviews
$7m Luxe Flats Set to Transform Boujee Tweed Town

News and Reviews
Tweed Regional Museum Unveils Exciting New Exhibition: How to Draw a Dinosaur

News and Reviews
Mooball Creek Seawalls Restored Ahead of Summer

-
Tweed Shire News2 years ago
A NEW TWEED HEADS
-
Motoring News2 years ago
Toyota Supra: Get Ready For A Fully Electric Version In 2025
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years ago
Northern Rivers Local Health District COVID-19 update
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years ago
Northern Rivers COVID-19 update
-
Northern Rivers Local News3 years ago
Fears proposed residential tower will ‘obliterate’ Tweed neighbourhood’s amenity and charm
-
Health News4 years ago
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic now open at Lismore Square
-
COVID-19 Northern Rivers News3 years ago
Lismore Family Medical Practice employee close contact
-
NSW Breaking News4 years ago
Vale: Former NSW prison boss Ron Woodham