Late last year, environment group North-East Bio-Regional Network expressed concern for the habitat of hooded plovers in St Helens, after pet owners were seen walking their dogs close to nests.

A 2013 review of data by BirdLife Tasmania found that Break O'Day’s beaches are home for up to 5 per cent of the world’s remaining breeding pairs of hooded plovers.

Last week, Break O'Day Council Mayor Mick Tucker said it had heard the group's concerns and had decided to amend the policy after a lengthy consultation process.

``The national listing of the hooded plover as a threatened species during Council’s policy review has underlined the new policy’s protection of the plover’s beach habitats in Break O'Day,'' he said.

Cr Tucker said compliance with the policy was the biggest issue put to council by residents, interest groups and the Parks and Wildlife Service during the policy review. 

``Amazingly visitors all the way from South Korea and China did, and saw some red necked stints which I'm told fly via South Korea and China on their migration from Siberia to Tasmania,'' he said.

``Council has stepped up beach inspections this month and will continue to work cooperatively with everyone to ensure beaches are shared well for beach goers, dogs and our many shorebirds.

``There are plenty of off-lead exercise beaches available for dogs in Break O'Day and lots more with on-lead access,'' Cr Tucker said.

The Dog Management Policy includes maps highlighting beach access zones and is available on council’s website at www.bodc.tas.gov.au.