22/12/2025
The George Town Council Dog Management Policy included the dog management zones can be foundhttps://georgetown.tas.gov.au/volumes/documents/2-Intranet/1.-Staff-Resources/03.-Policies/Operational-Policies/Dog-Management-Policy-GTC-O-10.pdf
📍 Good news before Christmas from Tasmania’s north-east coast
Dedicated volunteers from the local community have confirmed that Hooded Plovers have returned to nest at a site where, sadly, their chicks were lost last season due to roaming dogs.
This work is part of Protecting the ‘hood: habitat conservation and beach-user awareness in north-eastern Tasmania, a project led by NRM North in partnership with the North East Bioregional Network (NEBN) and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, with support from the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program 🌿
This year, volunteers have taken early action to protect key nesting sites. Fencing and signage have been installed at several locations along the coast.
🐣Graeme Beech from NEBN is pleased that a proactive approach this year seems to be paying off. “Apart from at the (Scamander) river mouth, this is the first time we have fenced based on a prediction that Hooded Plover would attempt to nest at a site again” he said.
Hooded Plover lay 1-3 well camouflaged eggs in a small, inconspicuous scrape in dry sand above the high tide mark. Eggs take 28 days to incubate, and following hatching, chicks require a further 35 days before they can fly. Throughout this period, they are extremely vulnerable. In addition to nests trampled by beach users and chicks killed by dogs, general disturbance from human activities is the greatest threat to Hooded Plover breeding success. When disturbed, the parents' defence strategy is to leave the nest or chicks in an attempt to lead the predator away and then stay distant from them until it is safe to return. If the adult remains away for too long or if disturbances are too frequent, the eggs or young chicks can be exposed to harsh temperatures that lead to their death.
While the return of the parent birds is exciting, there is still work to be done. “This site is tricky, as it is very popular with beachgoers and is near access to an off-lead dog beach”, Graeme said. “A benefit of fencing early is that hopefully, dog owners have become aware of the nest and keep their distance from the site. Also, it means less disturbance than fencing after a nest is identified, although we have become very good at getting in and out with fencing and signposting with minimal disturbance.”
We’re very lucky to have partners like NEBN, Parks and Break O Day Council helping us deliver this project, and there is great community support for what is happening.
With the summer holidays approaching, you can help:
✅ Follow local dog-walking regulations
✅ Keep dogs close and under control
✅ Stick to the wet sand when walking
✅ Avoid fenced or signed nesting areas
Together, we can give the Hooded Plover the best chance to raise their chicks this season 💛
, , , , , ,
Threatened Species Commissioner, Parks Australia, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
BirdLife Australia, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, Wildcare Tasmania North East Bioregional Network
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This project is funded by the Australian Government under Saving Native Species and delivered by NRM North as member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
