On 27 April 2021, Council resolved to proceed with the feasibility report for the possibility of establishing dog off-leash areas in the set area of Palm Beach (north) and Mona Vale Beach (south). In addition, the motion called for the trial parameters as described in the feasibility report to be immediately placed on public exhibition for a period of four weeks. The public exhibition can now be viewed on Council’s website here.
The Palm Beach Protection Group is disappointed that Council has once again placed the cart before the horse by not following the appropriate process. How can the community be called to make an informed comment about the appropriateness of off-leash dog areas at Palm Beach and Mona Vale Beach before the environment assessments have been carried out and made public? Seeking community consultation on trial parameters ahead of any environmental assessment is premature and assumes that the designated beach locations are placed above any environmental risks and concerns.
We believe that this early consultation/public exhibition ahead of a robust and impartial environmental assessment, will likely prejudice Council’s process due to activism by pro-dog lobby groups. The fact that the revised motion for early consultation was proposed by Cr Rory Amos, representing the wishes of Pittwater Unleashed supports this assertion.
The Palm Beach Protection Group is encouraging people who care about our beaches to vote ‘No’ and not support the proposal for Palm Beach (north) and Mona Vale Beach (south). Beaches are flourishing ecosystems with unique environmental sensitivities. Please register your Non-Support by visiting Council’s comment page. In the comments section, please mention that a decision over a future trial must commence after the environmental process is completed. Please note, Council has set up the comment form on two tabs, one for each beach, so please ensure you vote on each tab. Comments close on 6 June 2021.
The Palm Beach Protection Group remains adamant that rigorous environmental assessment must inform decision making regarding off-leash dog activity for the sake of ensuring that our beach environment is protected for future generations.
Click here: Proposed Dog Off-Leash Concept Plan
Click here: Council’s comment page.