Media response - Hooded Plovers

Published on 01 September 2026

Enquiry - Fleurieu Sun

The journalist requested some comments from the mayor around advice for beachgoers during Hooded Plover breeding season (August to March).

Response

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the best way to help the hooded plover nesting season was to give them a wide berth.

"There are fences and temporary signs around places such as Aldinga Beach right now, and the best thing people can do is keep their distance and keep dogs on a leash," she said.

"Council bylaws require you to leash your dog within 100 metres of a Hooded Plover dog on-leash zone sign.

"If you’re taking your car onto one of Onkaparinga’s drive-on beaches, the speed limit is 10km/h and you need to stay on the hard sand, avoiding the upper foreshore area, such as vegetation, pebble banks and sand dunes where hoodie nests could be.

"Cars are prohibited within 20 metres of a sign indicating a Hooded Plover breeding site.

"Also, take heed of the advice from Hooded Plover volunteers on the beach where possible too."

ENDS