Redland City Council is seeking community feedback on proposed changes to animal management local laws for the keeping of hens, miniature goats and honeybees.
Council is also seeking feedback on allowing dogs to be walked on lead in areas on Coochiemudlo Island, a proposal to change the beach area at the end of Bay Street, Redland Bay from a dog on-leash area to a dog off-leash area, as well as new dog off-leash areas to be investigated on three of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the changes were proposed following a review of four local laws relating to animal management.
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“Local residents love their pets and animals so it is important to ensure the rules governing the management and keeping of animals are both practical and reflective of community expectations,” Cr Talty said.
“Council regularly reviews its local laws and proposes changes based on both input from the community and issues raised by Councillors at briefings.
“The proposed changes to the animal management local laws aim to provide clarity and consistency in relation to the keeping of hens, miniature goats and honeybees, while providing more places for people to exercise their dogs responsibly.”
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Council is undertaking community consultation from 26 October to 22 November 2026 regarding the proposed changes, and would like to know the community’s thoughts on the following proposals:
- Hens: The minimum property size required for keeping up to six hens is currently 500 m². Should that be reduced to 400 m² and should the number of hens allowed also be reduced?
- Miniature goats: Currently no hooved animals are permitted on lots less than 4000 m². It is proposed to allow the keeping of up to two miniature goats on properties with a minimum land size of 1500 m², with a minimum of 1000 m² of cleared land suitable for grazing.
- Bees: There are currently no local laws regulating the keeping of honeybees, which has at times resulted in conflicts between neighbours. It is proposed to introduce property size-based limits for beehives, informed by recognised beekeeping industry guidance and local considerations. The proposal includes hive allowances based on lot size, together with requirements that support responsible hive management and minimise impacts on neighbours.
- Laurie Burns Recreation Reserve, Coochiemudlo Island: Currently people are not permitted to walk their dogs on lead in this reserve. It is proposed to remove this prohibition, improving access and connectivity for dog owners travelling through the area while maintaining appropriate controls over dog management.
- Coochiemudlo Island: Allowing dogs on lead to be walked on some foreshore and seashore areas of Coochiemudlo Island.
- Bay Street, Redland Bay: It is proposed to change the foreshore area of Bay Street from a dog on-leash area to a dog off-leash area.
- New dog off-leash areas: Investigating the suitability of dog off-leash areas at Nicholas Street, Russell Island, the western end of Karragarra Island and the south-west foreshore near the Macleay Island jetty.
Council is also proposing a number of administrative updates to remove duplication of provisions already regulated under the Queensland Government’s Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. These changes do not remove the effect of the rules; they remove unnecessary duplication of rules that are already applied by State law.
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The proposed changes are to Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2015, Local Law No. 2 (Register of Animals in Public Places) 2015, Subordinate Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2015 and Subordinate Local Law No. 1.5 (Keeping of Animals) 2015.
Information regarding the proposed changes to the local laws, and how to provide feedback, is available on Council’s Your Say page.
