Council is seeking community input on a proposal for a restricted off-leash dog trial on the southern section of Station Beach at Palm Beach.

The trial is proposed to be conducted over a twelve month period in 2019 and will be dependent on the outcomes of further environmental assessments currently being undertaken.

Mayor Michael Regan said introducing a trial at this location had been discussed for many years and it was good to progress to the first stage of community consultation.

“This is a great opportunity for everyone in the community to let Council know if you support having dogs on Station Beach in a limited capacity.

“Many dog-owners would like to see new areas opened up on the Northern Beaches so their dogs can enjoy a swim. We’d love to know if our community think Station Beach is a good complement to the other off-leash beach areas like Rowland Reserve and Curl Curl Lagoon.

“We need to balance the views of our community as well as consider any environmental or local impacts before making a final decision if the trial will proceed. I’d encourage everyone to get involved and have their say on both the trial itself and the proposed parameters”. Mayor Regan said.

The proposed trial arrangement would allow families with dogs to share the southern section of Station Beach at the following specified times of day:

• Off-leash area between Beach Road and Boathouse café only
• 4:00pm – 10:30am (7days)
• 5:30pm – 10:30am (Mon – Fri) during Daylight Saving

Council is running an online survey and holding two drop in sessions at Palm Beach Golf Club, 2 Beach Road, Palm Beach on:

• Thursday 29 November 2018, 6 - 8 pm
• Saturday 1 December, 2.30 – 4.30pm

Consultation closes 28 February 2019. For more information visit northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au