News

& Updates

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...

Dog Attacks on the Northern Beaches – report to Council

On 25 August 2020, Northern Beaches Council provided a response to Councillor Vincent De Luca’s question on notice regarding dog attacks in the Northern Beaches local government area and Council’s response. 146 dog attacks were reported between 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020 to the NSW Office of Local...

Station Beach Seagrass meadows: did you know?

The seagrass meadows at Station Beach consist of Posidonia australis, Zostera capricorni, Halophila ovalis and unvegetated soft-sediments. Northern Beach Council commissioned Cardno (NSW/ACT) to prepare a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the proposed off-leash area trial at Station Beach....

Council pursues feasibility of off-leash dog areas at North Palm Beach & Mona Vale beaches

On 28 July 2020, Northern Beaches Council passed the following resolution: Council do all things necessary to prepare a report for Council’s consideration regarding the public exhibition of a trial along a set portion of North Palm Beach, and at the southernmost end of Mona Vale Beach. The Palm Beach...

Mitigation measures to protect the seagrass at Station Beach remain inadequate

The potential impact on any seagrass meadow depends on the level of disturbance and accessibility. Various research papers note that Posidonia australis has low capacity to respond to disturbance (Unsworth et al, 2015; O’Brien et al, 2018 and Meehan & West, 2000). Currently the proposed REF mitigation measures conditions include...

Station Beach and Palm Beach as a tourist destination at risk from dogs

The natural and historical heritage values of Palm Beach have long been revered by tourists and are highlighted in the cultural importance of Station Beach, the Barrenjoey Headland and Lighthouse, and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The Barrenjoey Lighthouse was built in 1881 and the associated houses beside the Lighthouse, as...