Update
Dog walking on Silver Beach at Kurnell will continue to be banned - even though it occurs regularly.
Sutherland Shire Council, at its meeting on Monday night, endorsed a staff recommendation there be no change to existing rules, and the matter be reviewed again in September this year.
There was no debate on the matter.
At present, dogs are banned on the beach except in an off leash area between the two groynes at Bonna Point.
However, dogs are also regularly seen on other sections of the beach.
The staff recommendation followed a meeting with the Kurnell Progress and Precinct Residents' Association, which is satisfied with the present arrangements.
Comments on the Leader Facebook page, when the recommendation was reported on April 1, included:
- The 2000 plus who signed the survey for legal responsible access to the beach considered themselves part of the submission to council. The three for and against submissions mentioned does not reflect the residents position at all.
- There is no one even on that beach at that time during the week. What's the issue. We all do it anyway.
- I see dogs off leash all the time at Silver Beach. I thought it was a dog off leash beach.
Earlier
Dog owners who campaigned to be able to walk their pets on a leash on Silver Beach, Kurnell, have received a setback.
A report by council staff has recommended there be no immediate change to the current ban and that the matter be reviewed in September, 2019.
The recommendation followed a meeting with the Kurnell Progress and Precinct Residents' Association, which was satisfied with the present arrangements.
In further community engagement, the council received only three letters from residents supporting a change, while an equal number were against.
The matter is due to be considered by a council committee on Monday (June 1) before going to the full council meeting later in the month for a decision.
Following the rally in August last year, the council asked staff to carry out a review.
The staff report said, at present, dogs were prohibited from Silver Beach except for the dog off-leash area between two groynes at Bonna Point.
"This is in accordance with Section 14 of the Companion Animals Act which prohibits dogs in any public place that is used for public bathing (including a beach)," the report said,
"Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, council can choose to designate Silver Beach as an on-leash dog walking area.
"One option would be to propose dog walking on Silver Beach during a set time, for example before 10am and after 4pm.
"This would be similar to Greenhills Beach and some Wollongong City Council beaches."
The report summarised the benefits and risks of such a move.
Benefits included:
- Increased opportunity for exercise and social interaction for dogs.
- Increased opportunity for exercise and social interaction for dog owners.
Risks included:
- Conflict between dog walkers and other beach users (picnickers, swimmers, kite surfers).
- Congestion from increased activity and car parking along Prince Charles Parade.
- Beach pollution (dog faeces and bags).
- Trampling of dune vegetation and disturbance of coastal wildlife such as shorebirds.
The benefits and risks were discussed with the Kurnell Progress and Precinct Residents' Association at a meeting on February 13.
A trial was among options considered.
The report said, following the meeting, the association "agreed there should be no change to the current situation for a further six months and a trial was not required".
"It was also subsequently advised by the association there be no change to the current prohibition of horses on Silver Beach and that this could also be reviewed in six months if required."
RELATED:
