More than 120 residents of the Beyond Estate at Chiton want Alexandrina Council to make the popular walking area a dogs-on-leash area at all time. 

A petition presented to council last month stated that there have been attacks on dogs on leashes by others out of control. Dogs were also reported to have been seen have been swimming in the adjacent wetland ponds and harassing kangaroos.

The council is asking for community feedback on the proposal.  The areas that could be affected by the change are between Waterport Road and Port Elliot Road and include the main footpath from south to north through the estate and other open areas . The area is accessible via roads into the Beyond estate, a walkway next to the Fleurieu Aquatic Centre and a pedestrian underpass beneath Port Elliot Road.

A map of the area is available on the Alexandrina Council’s website. An  online form is available for comments or a direct submission can be sent to [email protected]  or  posted to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 21, Goolwa SA 5214. Submissions must be received by 5pm, Thursday 10 December.

Alexandrina Council already has a number of areas that are designated as dogs-on-leash at all times, including the Ratalang Basham Beach Conservation Reserve and the Bradford Road Bush Reserve in Goolwa. 

Where dogs are not required to be on-leash they are required to be under effective control by a person responsible for the dog. Council defines this as being in close proximity to this person and in sight at all times. They should also respond immediately when called and return to their owner.