Feedback on the proposed Wildlife Protection Area at the recently completed Sandhills Wetland was open during November and December 2025.
We received 323 submissions. 88% of the submissions supported the proposal to make it a Wildlife Protection Area.
11% supported dogs on lead being permitted in this location.
At the Council meeting on 19 February 2026, Council resolved to declare this area a wildlife protection area. This means that dogs are prohibited, whether on lead or not.
To help promote this we have:
- Updated our Guide to Dog Areas and online mapping tool
- Updated our Local Order for the Keeping of Animals Policy
- Installed stencils and signage at the wetland.
Comments included
Why protect this area?
Ecological surveys identified the following threatened fauna and vulnerable flora species.
Threatened Fauna Species
- Sooty Owl
- Wallum Froglet
- Grey-headed Flying Fox
- Little Bent-winged Bat
- Large Bent-winged Bat
- Southern Myotis.
Vulnerable Flora Species
- Stinking Cryptocarya – 43 individuals recorded
- Fine-leaved Tuckeroo – 6 individuals recorded.
Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, a Wildlife Protection Area is a public place set aside for the protection of wildlife, where dogs are prohibited, and signage is clearly displayed.
We can make it a 'dogs prohibited area' following a public exhibition period to gather community feedback.
We consider the needs of dog owners and members of the public, who all use and enjoy our public spaces.
This involves balancing dogs in open spaces with the natural environment.
For more information about how we do this visit Dogs in Public Spaces Strategy
