Since 1 January 2020, we have observed at Station Beach poor compliance and ongoing breaches by a large number of dog walkers. We observe regularly that most dogs are unleashed when entering the beach. We note that compliance with the permitted times of day is too often ignored. This is despite the Review of Environment Factors, commissioned by Council for the proposed off-leash trial, which clearly notes Council is required to act to protect the marine environment. It is noted that these measures are not being applied to the current on-leash activity.
Practically, we ask, how can Council enforce the requirement that dogs swim only east of the seagrass bed when the current on-leash times are 4.00pm to 10.30am (AEST) or 5.30pm to 10.30am during (AEDT) when Council rangers finish work at 5.00pm? At present dog owners have nothing to fear!
It is clear that the substantial non-compliance of on-leash dog activity on Station Beach presently invalidates any consideration for an off-leash dog trial.