Media Alert - Council Seeks Submissions on Curl Curl Dog Study

Warringah Council is seeking submissions on whether the central section of Curl Curl Beach should be a dog exercise area at restricted times.

On 13 December, 2011, Council resolved to; 'Undertake a study with the view to trialling dog swimming at Curl Curl beach, during non-peak hours and not within 100 metres of the flags and that the study be returned to Council at the earliest possible opportunity.'

The study is focussing on the central part of Curl Curl Beach adjacent to Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve which are already unleashed dog exercise areas.

It is proposed that dogs would not be allowed on the beach during peak times which would primarily include when the flags are up. They would also not be allowed in the areas where the flags are normally positioned, or in the vicinity of environmentally fragile rock platforms or rock pools.

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 all dogs in unleashed areas are required to be under effective control of a competent person. Additionally it is an offence to not remove any droppings done by your dog. These requirements would apply to any dogs on the beach with fines starting at $220.

Council is also undertaking an environmental assessment to determine the possible impact to flora and fauna in the area if the proposal were to be approved. Council Policy also currently states that; "Before allocating an area as a free-run area for dogs Council will ensure there is no conflict with other users of the area".

In November, 2011, a research paper recommended that Council continue its prohibition of dogs on the area's most northern beaches.

That paper found that there were no beaches, from Dee Why to North Narrabeen, that were suitable for unleashed dog exercise - primarily due to environmental concerns based on, amongst other things, the presence of an endangered species.

Submissions on the proposal can be made by emailing council@warringah.nsw.gov.au or writing to Projects Coordinator Dogs on Beaches, Warringah Council Civic Centre, 725 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why NSW, 2099. The deadline is 28 February, 2012.