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A petition will lobby Shoalhaven City Council to create an off-leash dog exercise area on Narrawallee Beach.
More than 40 dog owners met with council representatives in the rain at Narrawallee on Friday to air their concerns about the need for more dog exercise areas and, specifically, off leash areas in the region.
A working group was formed and met with councillor Patricia White again on Monday to formulate a petition that will be presented to the May meeting of council.
Working group spokesperson Stephen Dolan said many dog owners were passionate about creating a beach exercise area in Narrawallee.
“Off leash areas are integral for the socialisation and exercising of dogs,” he said.
“The beach is a marvellous asset and is there for all the community to share - including dog owners.”
Mr Dolan said Shoalhaven City Council was lagging behind other councils, such as Wollongong and Eurobodalla, which had more dog-friendly policies.
“We would like to see council come up with some sort of system whereby everyone can share the beach,” he added.
“We are aware that some people might not agree, but to have no dogs allowed on beaches is extreme.
“We have had overwhelming support from people that believe dog owners have rights, just like everyone else.”
Cr White told the Times she would work with the Narrawallee group on wording a petition that would be available to the public next week.
She said she would like to see a pilot program run at Narrawallee, before other beaches in the region are also considered as off-leash areas.
Cr White claimed council’s dog policy was “inadequate and outdated”, while signage on beaches was “confusing”, particularly for older residents who were often caught out, facing fines of up to $900.
“We need to review the policy and come up with a system that provides a balance for all beach users,” she said.
“Council is inviting people to bring their dogs to the Shoalhaven, yet we don’t have any beaches they can go on.
“We are also encouraging older people to get out and get active, yet they can’t walk on our beaches with their pets.”
Cr White said the two off-leash areas, at Collers Beach and the northern side of Ulladulla Harbour, were “inadequate”.
“This is a very passionate debate and everyone has their own view about dogs on beaches, but it is time for council to progress on the issue and not put it in the too hard basket.”
As support for the off-leash area ramps up, Mr Dolan said some residents have indicated their opposition to the proposal by vandalising signs near Narrawallee Beach with words such as “poo beach”.
Cr White said people who have an opinion about dogs on beaches should go through the correct channels and write to council.