Proposed rule change for dogs on popular Australian surfing beach drives grown men to tears

Julian Wilson's hometown the scene of much sadness.

But how good was it, just yesterday, to see Australia’s Julian Wilson return to vintage form at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro? Finding himself in the elimination round, the clean-shaven 36-year-old unleashed a torrent of air reverses to dispatch title-favorite Jack Robinson.

Very fine.

You know, of course, that Wilson hails from Coolum Beach there on the Sunshine Coast. You may not be aware, though, that the gorgeous stretch of almost tropical sand is currently in the midst of a battle so fierce, so polarizing, that grown men are being brought to tears.

The city council, you see, is proposing to ban off-leash dogs on Stumers Creek right there in town due environmental concerns. Off-leash dog lovers became so incensed that they collected over 6000 signatures to keep the beach free canine friendly.

A council spokesperson declared, “This feedback is now being reviewed with final recommendations set to be presented to Council. This plan is about shaping a future network of dog exercise areas across the entire Sunshine Coast — whether that’s parks, beaches or recreation reserves — that meet the needs of dog owners while respecting our region’s environmental and community values. The community feedback will help ensure we strike the right balance between creating safe recreational spaces for dog owners and non-dog owners alike, while maintaining the natural beauty of our region.”

One of the committee members, Bree Logie, declared how heartbreaking the debate between dog lovers and environmentalists was to witness. “I had to comfort grown men and women who were crying: Everyday people, at all ages, in tears,” she said.

The council will come to a final resolution on the matter in a few months but while we wait, when was the last time you cried?

You’re amongst friends here.

Also, are you a “dog-on-beach” sorta gal or do you prefer the sand feces-free?