Community asked to obey dog-on-leash rules at SEQ lakes

2 Feb 2022

Pet owners are being reminded to check site rules before visiting South East Queensland's water supply lakes, with incidents of visitors bringing their furry friends to non-designated areas or letting them off leash and allowing them to swim in the water.

Seqwater Field Ranger Sam Mellor stands next to one of the installed 'no domestic animals' signs at Lake Somerset. Seqwater says too many pet owners are ignoring the rules in place at SEQ lake sites.

South East Queensland is one of the few places in Australia that has open catchments where the public can enjoy recreation activities at lakes that supply the region’s water supply.

To allow this, rules are in place to manage safety and mitigate impacts to the environment and water quality.

However, Seqwater rangers and compliance officers say one rule is frequently being broken by many visitors wishing to bring their dogs for a day out without checking the site rules first.

Seqwater Principal Compliance Officer Amber Blake said dogs were only permitted at designated dog on leash areas, which were only available at a few approved lake sites across South East Queensland. These include: Ewen Maddock Dam, Atkinson Dam, Maroon Dam, Moogerah Dam and Hinze Dam.

“Although we love sharing the great outdoors with our dogs, owners need consider the negative consequences dogs can have on flora and fauna at and near our lakes,” Ms Blake said.

“Dogs can cause damage to native flora by digging and trampling plants and can cause stress and injury to native wildlife and frighten other visitors to our lakes.

“There is also the issue of water quality, with the potential of dog waste that has not been disposed of correctly, washing into our water supply lakes and creating bacterial contamination in the water.

This is particularly why dogs are prohibited from entering the water, foreshore areas and boat ramps.”

Ms Blake said owners not cleaning up after their dogs or letting them off leash and allowing them to swim in the water was becoming an increasing issue, with incidents occurring most weekends.

“It is important to check ahead of time to make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations for your furry friend,” Ms Blake said.

View the latest recreation and safety notices at Seqwater’s website, www.seqwater.com.au.

Dog safety information:

Dog owners must control their pets.
Dogs, and other pets, are not permitted to enter the lake at any time.
Dogs must be kept on leash at all time. You may lead a maximum of two dogs at a time.
Dogs are prohibited from all foreshore areas and boat ramps.
Exemption applies where an animal is essential to assist a person who suffers from an illness or impairment.