SCEC and the Point Cartwright Care Group (PCCG) would like to bring to your urgent attention to the Have Your Say consultation process on Proposed amendments to Local Laws - Point Cartwright closing 30 October

For enforceable local laws affecting Point Cartwright to reflect the recently endorsed and welcome Master Plan of Point Cartwright, it is necessary to go through a Local Law Amendment process. 

The Animal Management Local Law amendments are consistent with the pet access restrictions adopted as part of the new Master Plan which are based on rigorous assessments by Council and its consultant specialists, and endorsed by Council under the new Master Plan. 

The result is a good and well-considered balance between essential and now urgent environmental conservation initiatives and ongoing opportunities for dog on-leash recreation within the reserve, while still offering a dog off-leash option on the adjacent existing segment of Buddina Beach. 

SCEC and the Point Cartwright Care Group encourage Sunshine Coast residents to make a submission on Council's Have Your Say page to support the Local Law Amendments proposed by Council.

The proposed new Local Law map reflects the two year long master planning investigation and assessment of issues and opportunities by Council officers, a community reference group, consultants and Councillors and delivers the following positive outcomes and benefits;

• Enhanced community safety – ensuring a safer public realm for all to enjoy
• Enhanced environmental protection – for areas of significant habitat and sites of significant cultural heritage value identified by our First Nations People.
• Enhanced accessibility and recreational opportunities – improved pathway network (wider paths, improved surfaces, improved alignment).
• Improved facilities – upgraded park furniture, equipment, improved barbeque and shelters.
• More shade – for pathways, furniture, playground, picnic areas.
• Playground improvements – including interpretive/educational elements and increased play value.
• More interpretive and educational elements – for nature based passive recreation and cultural heritage appreciation
• Sustainable pet access – by retaining pet access in the reserve and park (on-leash) without time restrictions and prohibiting pet access to areas of the reserve and park of profound environmental significance. *Note these changes are subject to the local law amendment process and will be subject to a separate community engagement process later this year.

If you would like additional evidence-based and unbiased and unembellished information, you can review the following supporting material considered by Councillors which resulted in majority support of the Master Plan at the August Ordinary Meeting. 

1. Council's Ordinary Meeting Presentation
2. Council Officers' Report to Councillors
3. Video showing presentation of information and deliberations by Councillors at the August Council meeting, including the final vote to endorse the Master Plan  (note: Officer's report commences at 16min mark)
4. Council's legislative issues and obligations summary

5. Sunshine Coast Council media statement Brighter future for ‘special place’ after plan backed
6. Recent Courier Mail article Dr Pye
7. PCCG Rezoning Proposal that includes background information on the history, indigenous cultural heritage and environmental values of the reserve.

Please consider making a submission in support of the new local law amendments before 30 October