Under the changes, requested by the golf club’s management committee, dog walking on the golf course will be prohibited while play is in progress. Dogs must remain on-leash at all other times whilst being walked on the course.
This comes after golf club management representatives raised concerns with Council staff about dog faeces on the course and the disposal of dog faeces bags in recycle bins, instead of general waste bins.
The Animal Management Plan has been changed to reflect this recommendation from the Port Broughton Golf Club, and the amended plan will be submitted to the Dog and Cat Management Board for final approval.
Maree Wauchope, CEO of Barunga West Council, said the Port Broughton Golf Course was a lovely course that attracted locals and visitors who needed to concentrate on their games, rather than the unpleasant task of avoiding dog poo.
“Golf courses are beautiful open spaces and it can be hard not to want to run around on them and, for dogs, to do their business; but our golf course is well maintained and takes a lot of work and financial resources to upkeep,” Ms Wauchope said.
“The golf course remains dog-friendly, as long as dogs remain on a leash. Dog walkers may want to take their dogs for a long walk before going on the golf course to help get rid of any extra energy. And it may help them on the golf course too.”
The change to the Animal Management Plan, which expires in February 2026, does not require public consultation.
Ms Wauchope urged dog walkers to be considerate to golfers.
“Keep your dog on-leash, and pick up your dog’s poo with a plastic bag, the same way you always would, and dispose of it in general waste bins or take it with you,” she said.