An independent Review of Environmental Factors (REF), detailing the potential impacts of a proposed 12-month trial on an off-leash dog area at Station Beach in Palm Beach is now on public exhibition.

Northern Beaches Council has proposed a trial arrangement that would allow people to take their dogs for a walk and a swim off-leash along a section of Station Beach at specified times and days.

Before proceeding with the trial, Council has commissioned a thorough review by independent environmental experts to consider any potential environmental impacts arising from the proposed initiative.

Station Beach is bound to the east by Palm Beach Golf Club and to the west by Pittwater Estuary.

“The purpose of this REF is to inform Council’s decision on the proposed trial,” Northern Beaches CEO Ray Brownlee said.

“The review document gives a detailed description, takes into account relevant planning controls, examines the existing environment in the vicinity of the proposed trial area, as well as potential impacts and any mitigation measures that must be taken.

“It follows a period of extensive community consultation on the nature and scope of the proposed trial.”

The REF is also required as part of Council’s licence application to conduct the trial with the Department of Industry Lands & Water. The REF is publicly available on Council’s ‘Your Say’ website page (LINK).

Public submissions in response to the Review of Environmental Factors (2019) close at 3pm on Friday 12 July.

Council will consider a report about the proposed trial at its July meeting.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678