Let’s share our beaches

Everyone loves going to the beach over the summer.

An alliance of local agencies and community groups are working together to make it easier for all to share in this precious resource.

Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire manage many of the island’s beaches and reserves.

This year, they’re working with the community, alongside Bass Coast Shire Council, Victoria Police, and the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Dog Owners Association to help ensure everyone can have fun in the sun.

“The Nature Parks puts a major focus on public safety and protecting the environment and wildlife from threats such as fire over summer and rangers are on regular patrols to ensure visitors can enjoy beaches and reserves safely,” said Ben Thomas, Phillip Island Nature Parks Ranger in Charge.

“We are expecting a busy summer this year and we want the community to know we are working hard to protect the island’s beaches, its wildlife and the safety of the community and visitors. Working as a team with Council, Police and our community, we hope to keep our community safe in the knowledge that we are all here with the same goal of sharing our beaches,” said Ben.

“We are fortunate to have many areas where we can share the beaches with our dogs and we simply ask everyone to care for each other and their dogs by observing the rules and regulations which are for everyone’s comfort and safety.”

Andrew O'Brien, Senior Sergeant Bass Coast Cluster, said the police focus is community safety.

“We are happy to support our partner agencies to ensure the safety of all beach users and the staff and volunteers of the Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council.”

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said it was important everyone had the chance to enjoy the beach this summer.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy their visit to the beach, safely. By working together with our community, we can make sure everyone has a great time, including our favourite four-legged friends,” Cr Tessari said.

Follow the signs

Signage and regulations provide the best advice for your and others safety – simply check the advice on the signage and this will tell you how you can be safe and within the law on your visit to the beach.

Dog regulations also changed on December 1, so it’s important to check the signs again.

“The Phillip Island and Bass Coast Dog Owners Association look forward to a busy and safe summer and encourage our members and visitors to enjoy our beautiful Island while taking extra care around our beaches and reserves,” said Association President Greg Price.

Cheryl Owens from the Dog Owners Association agreed.

“We would like to say that we wholeheartedly support responsible dog ownership and encourage our members to adhere to the rules and regulations for our summer period.”

Natures Parks, police and council have an education role but also can enforce the regulations if required, to ensure the rules are adhered to. The safety of people and wildlife and protecting the environment are paramount.

You can help by:

• Reading and observing all beach signs before you enter a beach or Reserve – note they may have changed on December 1.
• Downloading the ‘Where Can I Walk My Dog?’ brochure available at www.penguins.org.au
• Keeping dogs on a leash in on-leash areas and under control on off-leash beaches.
• Giving everyone the space and consideration we all deserve after a tough year.
• Checking www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au for up to date public health information

Thank you for sharing our beaches and helping to protect each other and our wildlife.