Have your say on future dog off-leash areas

Published: 10th November 2026. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

Are you a regular user of any of Cairns’ designated dog off-leash areas?

Community feedback invited

Cairns Regional Council is seeking community feedback to help inform decisions about dog access across the region.

Mayor Amy Eden said dog owners had important input they could provide to help us deliver public spaces for dogs that were safe and suitable.

“We are inviting residents to help shape how local parks, beaches and public spaces are shared and we encourage feedback on the proposed changes to dog access areas in Cairns.

“This review will consider how these areas can best balance responsible pet ownership, community safety and the enjoyment of shared public spaces for dog owners and other users.”

The Cairns region currently has 54 designated dog off-leash areas, including 13 fenced areas.

Proposals to dog access areas include:

changing the boundaries of existing dog off-leash areas
creating new off-leash areas
relocating existing off-leash areas
introducing new dog-prohibited areas
changing some areas from off-leash to on-leash.

How to have your say

Council periodically reviews dog access arrangements to ensure they continue to meet community needs with the last review undertaken in 2023.

No final decisions have been made and residents can explore the proposed changes on the Have Your Say interactive map and provide feedback by 13 December 2026.

For more information and to have your say, visit: https://haveyoursay.cairns.qld.gov.au/dog-off-leash-areas-review

Last Updated: 10 November 2026