A report will be prepared outlining a series of options for dog exercise areas on Narrawallee Beach after a petition containing more than 3,500 signatures of support was presented to Shoalhaven City Council on Tuesday May 23.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Narrawallee Beach Dogs group has been campaigning for off-leash exercise areas early in the morning and late in the afternoon, as well as an expansion of the on-leash dog areas.
Councillor Patricia White said calls for changes to dog zones had been loud and clear, with 3,502 signatures and 100 letters of support, compared to 15 letters of objection.
She said the dog group had run a “passionate and sensible campaign” and, as a result, a report would be prepared and presented to the June council meeting.
“Council will consider a number of options for Narrawallee Beach specifically, but will also consider bringing forward the city’s dog policy review so it is dealt with now, rather than in a year’s time,” Cr White said.
“”The matter needs to be dealt with now.”
She said council was promoting the region as a dog-friendly tourist destination, with council’s Holiday Haven tourist parks, and many other accommodation facilities, catering for families with dogs during off-peak season.
“Across the Shoalhaven we now have 74 caravan parks and more than 900 holiday houses that permit dogs at certain times,” she said.
“Our council need to catch up to other areas that promote healthy lifestyles, including dogs.
“We will start by looking at Narrawallee Beach immediately, then move across other areas of the Shoalhaven.”
She said, over the past 10 years, council had reviewed its dogs policy eight times, indicating it was a very sensitive issue.
“Council’s hasn’t got it right yet, so we have to come up with something that is fair, equitable and allows everyone to share our beaches,” she added.
Spokesperson for the Narrawallee Beach Dog group, Stephen Dolan said members were very pleased that council was moving ahead with investigations.
“In such a short timeframe there has been an overwhelming show of support from the community, demonstrated through the total number of signatures,” he said.
“More than 700 of the signatures came from Milton and over 1200 came from the Narrawallee and Mollymook community.
“What a great community effort this result shows".
The group is hoping for a winter trial period on Narrawallee Beach.
Off-leash opponent Jan Gregory said a counter-petition would be presented to council calling for the current rules to remain at Narrawallee.
She told the Times that Shoalhaven was the “fifth highest in dog attacks in NSW”.
“These are the reported attacks,” Mrs Gregory added, “the little snip, the scratch and the fright aren’t reported.”
She claims the issue on Narrawallee Beach wasn’t about number, was was about “the safety of all beach users”.
“While many dog owners are responsible, there are many who aren’t.
“All beach users have the right to feel physically safe, to feel emotionally safe and to actually be safe.
“Council has a duty of care to ensure this.
“Dogs should not be off-leash on Narrawallee Beach. “
Mrs Gregory said there was no beach in the Ulladulla area exclusively for people.
Cr White told the Times, once options had been presented, the community would have an opportunity to provide feedback during a consultation period.
Related stories: