SWANSEA: Hams Beach Off-Leash Zone Expands for Happy Pooches

Dog owners in Lake Macquarie have more reason to celebrate this summer as the off-leash area at Hams Beach is nearly tripling in size, giving pups more room to play and explore.

From this week, the stretch of beach where dogs can roam freely has been extended from 290 metres to 860 metres. This expansion increases the space for dogs to enjoy from 38,000 square metres to a massive 70,000 square metres.

Karen Partington, Manager of Asset Management for Lake Macquarie City Council, highlighted that the decision came from a recommendation outlined in the Council’s Dogs in Open Space Strategy.

“With more than 92,000 registered dogs in the region, we know how important it is for dog owners to have accessible and safe spaces where their pets can run off-leash,” she said. “Hams Beach has always been a popular spot, and the extension will make it even more attractive as the weather warms up.”

As part of the changes, the dune areas between the beach and the nearby grassed off-leash zones have been closed to dogs to protect sensitive coastal environments. The beach south of the off-leash section, extending to Caves Beach, remains off-limits to canines, in keeping with regulations requiring dogs to stay at least 400 metres away from patrolled swimming zones.

Ms Partington assured that new signs would be installed to clearly define the boundaries for off-leash, on-leash, and dog-prohibited areas, ensuring both beachgoers and dog owners can enjoy their time at Hams Beach responsibly.

“If an area is not signposted as off-leash or dog-prohibited, dogs are still allowed, but they must be on a leash,” she explained. “However, dogs are not allowed near public barbecues or playgrounds, in accordance with the Companion Animals Act, which prohibits dogs within 10 metres of these facilities.”

Lake Macquarie is becoming a haven for dogs, with two new off-leash areas opening in July at Nords Wharf Oval and Myuna Bay foreshore. This brings the total number of off-leash zones in the region to 32.

For those looking to explore the extended Hams Beach with their furry friends, rangers will be present over the next month to provide information and assistance about the changes.

More details on Lake Macquarie’s Dogs in Open Space Strategy are available at https://www.lakemac.com.au/Our-Council/City-strategies-plans-and-reporting/Dogs-in-Open-Space-Strategy