New partnerships between Redland City Council and Quandamooka Traditional Owners are set to improve dog control on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that Council had provided training and given limited delegated authority to Straddie-based organisations to assist with some animal management functions on the island.
“Delegation has been given to three Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) officers and one Straddie Camping officer, with discussions continuing with officers from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,” Cr Williams said.
“This is part of our ongoing relationship with Quandamooka Traditional Owners, following the signing of our Indigenous Land Use Agreement in 2011 and other joint initiatives to deliver outcomes for the entire community.
“It makes sense to have QYAC and Straddie Camping officers, who already work on the island, assist with dog control.
“Under State Government legislation and Council’s Animal Management local law, they will be able to act on Council’s behalf in some instances to help ensure residents and visitors to Straddie are aware of their pet ownership responsibilities.”
The initiative will see QYAC and Straddie Camping officers have limited delegation to educate dog owners about regulations, and gather and provide evidence of breaches to Council when necessary.
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said these delegated powers were limited to the issues of dogs being in restricted areas, and owners adequately controlling and picking up after their dogs on Council-controlled land.
“Aside from maintaining public safety and amenity, the city’s Local Law 2 (Animal Management) regulations protect wildlife, making them especially important on Straddie,” Cr Mitchell said.
“This agreement is another example of Council, QYAC and other agencies working together to protect the island’s unique ecosystems.”
QYAC Chief Executive Officer Cameron Costello said that QYAC and Straddie Camping employees received training in these regulatory powers, and that officers would be able to take photographs and use voice recorders for evidence purposes.
“Our staff are now job-ready after receiving a refresher with Council last month,” Mr Costello said.
“Ensuring we promote responsible dog ownership is a key priority for QYAC and these delegations are another step in our joint animal management efforts with Council to preserve the community and natural environment we know and love.
“We have lots of native wildlife on the move around the island at the moment, so this delegation is very timely and allows a more holistic approach across different land tenures.”