News

& Updates

Off-leash dog attacks a Seal at Long Reef Beach

The Palm Beach Protection Group has long stated that dogs on beaches leaves native wildlife vulnerable to attack. As reported by The Manly Daily on 4 November 2020, Northern Beaches Council is investigating an incident in which members of the public reported that a dog has attacked a seal at...

Land and Environment Court Update – Station Beach: November 2020

The Palm Beach Protection Group’s challenge to the decisions by the Northern Beaches Council concerning on-leash and off-leash dogs on Station Beach recently concluded in the Land and Environment Court.   We provide the following short summary. The Palm Beach Protection Group challenged the Council’s two decisions primarily on the...

Update on Station Beach and off-leash dogs: October 2020

If you’re new to the dogs-off leash trial at Station Beach, opposite Palm Beach, we’ve summarised the back story for you. Firstly, the Palm Beach Protection Group is an association of residents who are committed to preserving the pristine beaches and surrounding environment of Palm Beach for future generations. We...

Dog behaviour and safety concerns at Station Beach

The issue at the heart of a dog off-leash is that you can never know with certainty how it will behave around other dogs, and indeed around humans. It may see other dogs as a threat and charge forward or might snap or bite at an unsuspecting stranger. In public...

Station Beach in close proximity to endangered penguins on nearby Lion Island

Across from Station Beach, at Lion Island, is one of Sydney’s two remaining colonies of Little Penguins. The colony on Lion Island is protected as an endangered population with Lion Island also a protected nature reserve listed on the Australian National Heritage List. The Island is hard to access and...

Station Beach habitat under threat from dogs

A 2019 Deakin University study found more than two-thirds of people walking dogs along beaches ignore regulations about keeping their pets under control. This, of course, leaves native wildlife vulnerable to attack. The research was conducted on eight beaches between Point Lonsdale and Anglesea in Victoria, using GPS trackers attached...

Dog faeces… did you know…?

An excess of nutrients from dog faeces in the surrounding water can lead to excessive growth of algae. These algae can significantly reduce the quantity and quality of light reaching the seagrass, thereby reducing growth rates and its productivity. The dominant seagrass in the area already experiences considerable overgrowth by...

Station Beach as a family beach is under threat from dogs

Under the proposed off-leash trial, we believe Station Beach will effectively become a ‘dog’s beach’. Permanent offshore markers and onshore signage will alter the character and use of the beach, irrespective of the off-leash times proposed. This change of use will be at the exclusion of many others who may...

Dog owners adding to traffic and parking congestion at Palm Beach

The Palm Beach Protection Group notes that no traffic studies have been specifically conducted to assess the impact of additional traffic associated with the on-leash dog exercise or proposed off-leash trial at Station Beach. In November 2018, Northern Beaches Council adopted the Move Northern Beaches Transport Strategy after several months...

Dogs will harm wildlife on Station Beach

The Station Beach area is a habitat for resident and migratory birds. Waders and sea birds have been observed on Station Beach, which feel happy to rest and feed there because of the lack of noisy activity. Dogs can disturb wildlife, such as migratory birds. It is well understood that...