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In a major move to balance family fun with wildlife safety, Margate is receiving a new off-leash dog park while other regional areas face strict pet bans to save koalas.
The Moreton Bay City Council unanimously approved the fresh zoning plans for dog owners during a general meeting last week. The biggest change for the local area will be at Barry Bolton Park along Victoria Avenue. The central and southern sections of the park will transform into a dedicated space where dogs can run freely without a leash. This new animal zone will sit alongside the existing children’s playground and a planned basketball court.
During the discussions, city officials weighed the benefits and risks of mixing different types of park visitors. Councillor Brook Savige pointed out the potential issues of placing an off-leash dog zone so close to young children running around and playing with balls.
In response, council staff explained that the specific location was carefully chosen because the natural shape of the land and the buffer created by the nearby car park will keep the different groups safely separated. Councillor Karl Winchester noted that residents would highly welcome the new recreational space.
While Margate residents gain more freedom for their pets, the council is taking a much stricter approach in other areas to protect native wildlife. Plans were also unanimously approved to restrict animals at Moreton Bay Central, which is located at the former Mill site in Petrie. With the lakes section of this massive site expected to be ready for the public by the middle of this year, local authorities are stepping in to ensure the local koala population stays safe.
The council map for the Petrie site shows that dogs will be completely banned from most of the area. Pet owners will only be allowed to walk their dogs on a leash along a specific access path heading towards Dohles Rocks Road and in a designated section beside the railway line and university.
Councillor Jim Moloney strongly supported the tight restrictions, calling the move an essential step for environmental protection. The council hopes this balanced approach will give the community plenty of room to relax while meeting all local obligations to shield vulnerable koalas from harm.
Published Date 17-June-2026
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