The Palm Beach Protection Group has welcomed the decision that the Northern Beaches Council has confirmed during a closed session of its December meeting that no further action will be pursued in respect to the on-leash and off-leash dog resolutions for Station Beach. This in effect means that the Station Beach seagrass population and beach have been protected for the future.
The pleasing outcome confirms that Council has acknowledged the recent ruling handed down by the NSW Land and Environment Court. Furthermore, Council by these actions, has also affirmed the environmental sensitivities of Station Beach and therefore recognised that Station Beach is incompatible for dog activity.
The minutes of the closed session, released following the 15th December meeting, have reported that in respect to the Council decision of 27th August 2019, which purported to authorise an off-leash dog trial for 12 months on Station Beach; and by the December 17th 2019 decision, which purported to permit dogs on-leash on Station Beach, have been terminated. Furthermore, Council’s 23rd June 2020 decision to prepare a development application to authorise an off-leash trial at Station Beach has also ceased.
It has been a turbulent and challenging period for the Palm Beach Protection Group over the past two years but a worthy crusade, given the environmental sensitives of the threatened and slow-growing Posidonia australis seagrass population at Station Beach. It remains our hope that the beach ecosystem will continue to prosper for future generations.
Thank you to the many supporters in the community who value the unique environmental characteristics of Station Beach and the tranquility of this special location.
Click here: Northern Beaches Council minutes – 15 December 2020