The deceased penguin was taken to Taronga Zoo by wildlife volunteers who are also NPWS volunteer penguin wardens. Staff at the Australian Registry of Wildlife Health performed a necropsy. The results suggest the bird suffered a fatal puncture wound to its neck from a suspected dog attack.
Residents witnessed multiple dogs offleash on that beach at that time, and since.
A Warriewood resident stated on February 26, 2026: ''I found another dead one there a few weeks ago...'' - so another was lost in mid -February on this beach.
Little penguins have been seen coming ashore at Warriewood and Mona Vale in recent years.
A colony of fairy penguins once lived at Turimetta beach, according to those who lived there, until they were killed by people taking their dogs offleash onto that beach.
Fairy penguins would come ashore right along our beaches, from Palm Beach down to Long Reef. The Long Reef colony disappeared in part during World War Two when sand removed destroyed their nesting grounds.
In the Pittwater estuary a colony lives on Lion Island, which was declared a bird sanctuary to protect these little wonders in 1956.
After a bushfire here in 2018 Volunteers with 'Fix-It Sisters' installed fireproof receptacles for them.
Firefighters who attended the August 2018 fire sparked by a lightning strike reported that on landing on the island the little creatures waddled up curiously to watch their efforts:
Photo by: Alex Milgate, Warringah HQ Brigade
The Australian Registry of Wildlife Health at Taronga processed 11 deceased little penguins in 2025, four of them from suspected dog bites, three with boat or propeller injuries, three that were young and emaciated, and another where the cause of death is yet to be determined.
Libby Hall, Manager of Taronga Wildlife Hospital Sydney, said the Warriewood penguin could have been thin because it had just finished moulting, which usually occurs in March for the Barrenjoey to Manly colonies.
During moulting, the penguins sit still on a rocky outcrop for three weeks to shed and replace all their feathers. They do not eat, and they can lose up to half their body weight.
Penguins are especially vulnerable to predators while moulting because they are out of the water, trying to hide in among rocks, while “quite a mess” of feathers and droppings builds up around them.
“They’re easy to find if you’re a fox or a dog because it becomes very smelly and they’re just sitting there,” Ms Hall said. “They’re totally exposed and vulnerable during that time. It’s a very stressful time for a penguin.”
The little penguin killed at Warriewood beach was an adult with no other injuries.
Taronga Zoo also took in six little penguins for rehabilitation in 2025, mostly for moulting but also injuries from boat strikes. The birds attacked by dogs usually did not survive, though adult penguins can sometimes withstand a cat attack.
The team is currently looking after a juvenile penguin found at North Steyne.
The zoo releases the little penguins back to the water at Curl Curl Beach as it's relatively quiet, and safe, with direct access to the ocean and between the two known breeding and foraging colonies; Manly and Lion Island in Pittwater.
Wildlife carer volunteers state there is now another land based Little Penguin colony on the South Coast, which was thought to be extinct but penguins have been found to nest in two places. There is a group of volunteers protecting these too.
A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said it worked with the council on pet management, while using daily camera checks and fox baiting to control foxes on North Head.
NPWS also manages more than 50 volunteer penguin wardens who support education, habitat maintenance and issue reporting. This group actively guarded a group of little penguins that once nested under Manly Wharf from off-leash dogs. Now their efforts are focussed on those still at North Head,
Dog attacking formerly resting seal at Long Reef Aquatic Reserve in November 2020 - a No Dogs area. Photo supplied
Dogs Offleash on all Beaches across the Northern Beaches Council LGA
The Northern Beaches Council area has over 78,000 registered dogs. While dogs are not permitted on most beaches, the council recommended a 12-month off-leash dog trial at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach should go ahead.
The council commissioned REF stated there were no wildlife species to take into consideration because on the 2 days the area was monitored dogs were all over the beach chasing off anything that may have been around anyway.
However, those who have lived in and monitored the area over several years, and decades, have registered those sightings on respected platforms such as iNaturalist, e-bird, and the state government’s own systems for recording what species is where.
See: Northern Beaches Council recommends allowing dogs offleash on Mona Vale Beach
A council spokesperson said council rangers and council parks staff regularly patrolled the south Mona Vale beach area and found people were generally adhering to the times and area permitted.
The spokesperson said council understood the community’s concern about this penguin death, stating it was aware of the incident only through social media as it had not been formally reported to the council.
“Northern Beaches Council rangers undertake regular proactive patrols of beaches and public spaces to ensure responsible use of public spaces by dog owners and their pets, and enforcement action to address any concerns,” the spokesperson said.
“Recognising that enforcement alone is not enough to change community behaviour, Council appointed a companion animal education officer in October 2025 to enhance education efforts, engage with residents, and promote responsible pet ownership.”
However, other witnesses state dogs are offleash on that beach, outside of the trial times ('at all times') and are now right along that beach, including into The Basin area at the north end of Mona Vale, not just the area allocated to dogs.
In fact, dogs are now seen offleash on all beaches across the LGA, and all tracks between the headlands.
A query to the council as to how many rangers are dedicated to companion animal compliance in public spaces across the LGA was unanswered.
The council spokesperson did state that ''Information about the trial and how to submit feedback is available on Council’s website here. This information will be collated and reported back to Council at the end of the trial which ends 13 October 2026.''
The council also encourages residents who have been attacked or whose children have been attacked by a dog in a public area to contact them immediately, not simply lodge a report.
If the matter is urgent or dangerous call Council on 1300 434 434 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
If you find injured wildlife please contact:
- Sydney Wildlife Rescue: (24/7): 9413 4300
- WIRES: 1300 094 737
Rejected in Warringah - Approved in Pittwater
In 2011, Warringah Council debated allowing dogs on beaches, ultimately deciding against initiating further investigations for new leash-free, ocean-side dog areas at North Narrabeen and Curl Curl. The decision followed studies highlighting potential user conflicts, large amounts of dog faeces at existing spots, and a, at that time, controversial, highly politicalised community-dividing debate pushed by dog lobby groups.
In 2010 Warringah Council residents were asked two questions relating to dogs on beaches. This found 76% of participants thought all beaches should be dog free and 79% focused on dog droppings as an issue.
The study commissioned by Warringah Council, 'Dogs on Beaches Northern Region - Research Paper', presented as part of the November 22, 2011 Warringah Council Meeting, found, as a result of the research, that due to primarily environmental reasons 'there are no beaches in the northern area (i.e. north of Dee Why) of Warringah that are suitable for dog access for exercise'.
Dee Why was excluded as the lagoon area is a Wildlife Preservation area, as was Long Reef due to its proximity to both the Long Reef Aquatic Reserve. Collaroy was also rejected due to that council's policy of “Before allocating an area as a free-run for dogs Council will ensure there is no conflict with other users of the area”.
However, the wildlife known to come ashore to rest or feed on all these beaches is not mentioned, although this too would 'conflict with other users of the area' as this is where these species live, nest, breed, eat, seek shelter, sit to do their annual moult, and rest.
The report stated only one section of Narrabeen Beach would be potentially suitable. An environmental study by Eco Logical Australia found the presence of Sand Spurge (Chamaesyce psammogeton) in the dunes. Sand Spurge is listed as endangered under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Key threats include trampling. As the sand dunes would be difficult to effectively fence to keep dogs out this site, and would have been prohibitively expensive as a required process, Narrabeen was ruled out as a possibility.
When Warringah Council realised there were no suitable locations for swimming dogs in the Northern area of Warringah it passed a resolution into looking at trialling dog swimming at Curl Curl Beach.
Why Curl Curl? Adjacent to the beach is an unleashed dog exercise area from which it was proposed dogs could enter the beach. Dogs are currently allowed to swim in the lagoon but many complain it is polluted. The study was to look at restricted hours access 100 m away from flagged swimming areas.
Warringah Council staff went to the dog park at Curl Curl to quantify the dog faeces issue. In an area 130m x 30 m 56 dog scats were collected even though bins and bags were provided in this area.
Based on community engagement it was clear there would be conflict with other users, which was supported by the studies' findings. The recommendation to not proceed with the trial was adopted by the Warringah Council.
In 2011, the Warringah Council was led by Mayor Michael Regan. Based on council meeting minutes from late 2011, the councillors included: Cr M Regan (Mayor), Cr J Sutton (Deputy Mayor) and Crs V De Luca OAM, J Falinski , R Giltinan, Dr C Harris, Dr C Kirsch, V Laugesen, M Ray and Dr H Wilkins.
In the September 2012 local government elections, Michael Regan, Wayne Gobert OAM, Vanessa Moskal, Vincent De Luca OAM, Sue Heins, Robert Giltinan JP, Pat Daley, Roslyn Harrison, Duncan Kerr and Jose Menano-Pires became the Warringah Council councillors.
Further changes to the Curl Curl area were debated in 2014, but they did not include dogs offleash on that beach.
In August 2019, despite the concerns of the NSW Department of Industry and from the local community about the environmental impact, the council forcibly imposed on Pittwater through state government dictated amalgamation, the Northern Beaches Council, voted in favour of an off-leash dog trial at Station Beach.
Station Beach at Palm Beach, NSW, hosts the largest continuous bed of endangered Posidonia australis (strapweed) seagrass in the Pittwater estuary, covering over 890,000 square meters. This critical ecosystem, essential for marine life, is a site for the restoration initiative "Project Restore," which collects seagrass fragments for replanting.
It too is an important habitat system for wildlife - for nesting, resting, coming ashore to die peacefully, in the case of one turtle, and within cooee of Barrenjoey Headland, a National Park.
The REF Recommendations were:
1. Introduce a three (3) metre Buffer Zone Line in front of the seagrass bed, to run parallel to the beach, defining the Dog Swim Area (DSA). Dogs permitted to swim east of this Line.
2. Install a series of offshore boundary markers/piers to visually define the Buffer Zone Line.
3. Introduce in excess of 30 monitoring/mitigation requirements, including signage (REF acknowledged high likelihood that this will be ignored, observing first hand off-leashed dogs trampling and defecating on the seagrass - with photos of tis occurring included i the REF tabled to the council), offshore boundary markers (quantity and height not covered), regular environmental management (water and seagrass testing), and extra ranger patrols (how many and at what cost are not itemised).
REF Environmental Issues listed were:
1. Seagrass beds off Station Beach provide an important fish habitat, and are recognised as being “threatened” and “endangered.”
2. REF acknowledges seagrass and fish habitat will be put at further risk by the off-leash dog trial, mainly at low tide.
3. REF acknowledges off-leash dogs can disturb wildlife such as migratory birds.
4. Trial challenges Council’s & NSW Government’s environmental and sustainability principles regarding the safeguarding of coastal ecosystems.
The trial was on the provision that a licence be provided by Crown Lands. This had yet to be provided, however a Motion was tabled on December 16th for the December 17th Council meeting, was duly passed and the 'trial' commenced on December 20th. The Motion was to allow dogs onto the beach, required all dogs on the beach to be on-leash at all times and provided a clear outline of where they can and cannot be and the times they have access to the beach. Signage was installed to communicate to pets owners where and what and how.
All of this was ignored and dogs were seen offleash at all times, right along the beach, and going into the nesting areas in the north dunes as well as into the National Park. People were also now being attacked by dogs offleash throughout Governor Phillip Park.
None of the measures were installed.
The Northern Beaches Councillors of 2017 to 2021, the first term of the imposed council, were Rory Amon, Candy Bingham (formerly of Manly Council) formerly of Warringah Council councillors Pat Daley, Vincent De Luca, Sue Heins, Roslyn Harrison, Michael Regan (Mayor), and Kylie Ferguson, Alex McTaggart and Ian White (all formerly of Pittwater Council), as well as Sarah Grattan, Stuart Sprott, Penny Philpott, David Walton, and Natalie Warren.
Feedback had pointed out this was a wildlife area, was used by a variety of groups, and a favourite of families with small children.
However, the self-evident knowledge that this would 'conflict with other users of the area', including the wildlife that lives here, did not stop that council from voting that 'trial' through.
There were also physical altercations introduced to Station beach - between the dog owners, especially those who took their dogs offleash when those trying to ensure the trial was a success urged them to put them back onleash.
Expensive legal action brought by residents of Pittwater saw the Hon Justice B.J. Preston's hand down a decision in November 2020 which declared the Northern Beaches Council’s decisions of 27 August 2019 and 17 December 2019, which purported to authorise an off-leash dog trial for 12 months on Station Beach and, by the December decision, purported to permit dogs on-leash on Station Beach, were invalid and quashed those decisions.
However, dog owners were still using the area, and the whole of the 'people's park, and were still seen taking dogs offleash into the dunes and national park headland, despite clear signage.
The dog lobbyists then commenced 'working with' the Northern Beaches Council to resume other areas unto themselves - openly stating their aim was to have dogs gain offleash access to all beaches, and Barrenjoey Headland. The Northern Beaches Council, still sticking to ensuring any 'conflict with other users of the area' stayed solely within Pittwater, offered up north Palm Beach (ocean side) and an area at south Mona Vale Beach, just near the already accessible Robert Dunn Reserve offleash dog area.
By the June 28, 2022 Northern Beaches Council Meeting an REF for south Mona Vale beach as an offleash dog area section was tabled. Miranda Korzy, who was voted onto that council by then, was 1 of 2 who voted against proceeding - the other 13 councillors voted for this to progress.
This Draft REF stated again, that when those commissioned to write this report were conducting their field surveys for shorebirds dogs were observed within the proposed Mona Vale beach area and dog faeces found within the proposed Palm Beach area and no birds seen.
The assessment, commissioned by council and carried out by Niche Environment and Heritage, concluded that the trials would not be likely to have a “significant environmental impact” if the council followed its proposed mitigation measures. Those included: new signs, bins for dog faeces and council monitoring.
Councillor Korzy said then: ''It was a problem for me that the motion also granted power to council staff to carry on with preparations for the trials before the exhibition and community consultation were finished. I moved an amendment calling for no further work to be carried out by the staff until the completion of the trial - however, this was voted down by all except Curl Curl Greens Councillor Kristyn Glanville.
I am a great believer in transparency and would have voted for the exhibition if my amendment had passed - although the assessment was already publicly available in the papers for the council meeting. However, given that staff revealed at the meeting that the council has already spent more than $800,000 on the quest towards off-leash dog beaches in Pittwater, I believe we should follow the process step by step to avoid any further legal action. Further, Curl Curl Greens Councillor Kristyn Glanville moved an amendment that would have ameliorated the impact of the dog trial but that was also voted down - by all councillors other than the pair of us.
''We also know from the Niche report that starting a dog beach trial won’t be as simple as putting up a few signs, installing some bins and employing more rangers. The council will have to weave between legal requirements under three acts (Companion Animals Act, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Local Government Act) amending multiple plans of management and the Pittwater dog policy. And despite all that work, insurance and civil claims could still be brought against the council.
''I also believe the recommendations to ameliorate the impact of dogs have not worked elsewhere. For example, I noticed in papers for another motion at the meeting - for the council’s delivery program - that rangers had already carried out 75 dog patrols, registering 300 observations over 60 hours at the North Curl Curl Beach off-leash dog area this year. They had also issued 30 fines for dogs not under control and dogs in prohibited places. That averages one fine every two hours of patrol time. You can do the arithmetic to work out the level of non-compliance even when a ranger is present.'' she said in her June 2022 From the Chamber report
''And for anyone concerned about plastic pollution at the beach, Councillor Amon noted that the council dispenses 4 million poo bags per year to deal with the poo problem. He also noted that the “human impact on beaches is much greater but we don’t ban people from beaches”.
We do know, however, that our local environment is under enormous pressure and we should be looking for ways to relieve rather than increase it. Adjacent to the proposed dog beach at Palm Beach is a national park, and a marine reserve extends from Station Beach around Barrenjoey Headland to North Palm Beach. Just a week or so ago, a resident contacted me about an off leash dog they saw attacking a seal pup at Avalon Beach. I have also spoken to a local ecologist who says that they would the oppose dog beach proposal outright.''
At the August 22 2023 Northern Beaches Council meeting recorded new Plans of Management would be required to forward the 'trial's, completion of other required environmental assessments under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act; changes to the Pittwater Dog Control Policy; and orders under the Companion Animals Act declaring the off leash dog areas would be needed.
That meeting also revealed the REF the methodology was still weak, despite survey time increasing to 10 hours at each site. The consultants found three threatened species present; the Hawksbill Turtle (critically endangered), Little Eagle (vulnerable) and Sooty Oyster Catcher (vulnerable).
One local ecologist said: “Given the serious decline in numbers of shorebirds and their habitat globally, so that we see many species as endangered, any remaining habitat should be conserved”.
Another said the smell and sight of dogs will impact a far greater area than the offleash sites themselves. Given the then current and still present presence of dogs in the dunes at Palm Beach and Mona Vale, it was unlikely dogs will not venture into these areas during a trial. The REF talked about “monitoring and compliance”, but when dogs were already present against the rules on all of Pittwater’s beaches, there was little confidence the council could monitor a trial or dog beach adequately.
The amount of money being poured into the pursuit of dog beaches also came up again. Staff could not quantify total costs remaining, but had already spent $800,000 on legal costs resulting from the previous trial at Station Beach. The REF cost $125,000 and staff had spent hundreds of hours working on the Consultation, which cost $96,000.00, with both these figures ex-GST, they said at the meeting.
All councillors present - except Miranda Korzy - voted for the recommendation to proceed (then Pittwater Liberal Councillor Karina Page and Manly Councillor Candy Bingham were absent due to illness.)
The PoM, subsequently produced, found the plant life in the dunes at Mona Vale were important too.
Page 20 of the Draft POM recorded;
The NSW Biodiversity Values (BV) Map is facilitated by the NSW State Government and identifies land with high biodiversity value, particularly sensitive to impacts from development and clearing. On the 27 October 2023, the BV Map was updated to include the addition of revised habitat mapping for a number of threatened species. As a result, a portion of vegetation within the PoM is now identified on the BV Map (see Figure below).
Despite all this, by the meeting of Northern Beaches Council held Tuesday August 19, 2025, the council agenda recommended a 12-month trial allowing offleash dogs on Mona Vale beach, starting in mid-October.
Notification of this came via a council email addressed to our dog, Matilda. Feedback was done this way to test out a complaint from residents that the consultation was a rigged voting system whereby people who don’t live in the area, state or even Australia itself were supporting a push by the dog lobby group to 'game the numbers'.
‘’While everyone’s entitled to an opinion, it’s important to question how much weight should be given to online feedback that doesn't come from those who actually live, work, raise families, or spend time here. Local decisions – especially those impacting our beaches, public spaces, and environment – should reflect the views of our local community, not be shaped by outside voices driving campaigns from afar.’’ one resident stated to the news service
Nevertheless, the Northern Beaches Council proceeded and now residents see dogs offleash everywhere, unchallenged, which they ascribe to the messaging coming out of the council and no bank of rangers to ensure compliance with the laws.
People are wondering how many penguins and other species of wildlife will be murdered in this horrible way, how many critically endangered species chased off their nests, out of their homes, slowly starving to death through being urinated out of where they feed.
In a place where residents have made it their mission, over generations, to look after the environment, especially endangered species of plants and wildlife, but also including everything that lives in these spaces, 'common' or not, the pushing through of these 'trials' is yet another example to some residents of a perceived bias against Pittwater and why former Warringah Councillors are remembered as such.
''When will the Northern Beaches Council acknowledge what was bad for Warringah may be worse for Pittwater?'' one email stated this week
Everywhere residents look they are witnessing wildlife being attacked by dogs, lifting their small children up off the ground away from an offleash dog charging towards them, or even their own beloved dogs away from the same.
See January 2026 report: Toddler attacked by Offleash dog on way to Avalon Beach Children’s Pool – Owner verbally abuses mother, runs away: Residents state dogs are offleash in all Public Spaces - NBC LGA has Record Number of Reported Dog Attacks
Residents state this has become a 'huge problem' across the Northern Beaches Council LGA.
Warriewood beach is a 'no dogs' area and was when this little penguin was murdered.
Photo: Joseph Battaglia.
Council Responsibilities
Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, NSW councils are responsible for enforcing pet ownership laws, including managing the statewide register, seizing dogs that attack or are dangerous, issuing penalty notices, and providing mandatory off-leash exercise areas.
They are responsible for enforcing leash laws in public spaces so these areas are safe for all.
They must also manage nuisance pet complaints, enforce registration/microchipping, and oversee annual permits for non-desexed cats or restricted breeds.
First quarter for 2025-2026 dog attack data now available
The NSW Dog Attack Incidents – 1 July 2025 to 30 September 2025 records the total number of dog attack incidents reported to councils in the 1st Quarter of 2024/25 is 1,297.
Of these the 'Number of Victims' is listed as
- Adult 724
- Child (Child is up to 16 years) 108
- Dog 676
- Cat 66
- Livestock 235
- Other (animal) 79
Infringements issued: 362 Seized & taken to pound: 93 Seized & returned to owner: 17 Police action: 9 Court action: 1 Dog destroyed: 106 Restricted dog declaration: 4 Menacing dog declaration: 117 Warning issued: 226 Investigation continuing: 668
Number of injuries on people:
- Medical treatment required 169
- Hospitalisation 63
- Death 1
Number of injuries on animals:
- Minor injury 227
- Medical treatment required 199
- Hospitalisation 54
- Death 266
The Dog Attack Incidents Reported by Councils for same quarter records Northern Beaches Council had:
- Total dog attack incidents reported 58
- No of people involved in serious attacks 11
- No of people involved in less serious attacks 22
- Total number of people attacked 33
- Total animals attacked 32
- Registered dogs in the LGA 78,445
Data from same period the previous year’s same quarter, 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024 (1st Quarter 2024/25), records:
Northern Beaches Council
- total number of attacks recorded 53
- No of people involved in serious attacks 5
- No of people involved in less serious attacks 15
- Total animals attacked 39
- Registered dogs 74,025
Compare Central Coast Council LGA for same 2025-2026 first quarter: Central Coast Council 46 attacks reported- animals attacked in that LGA: 38
The OLG records state 'reported' as dog attacks can go unreported.
Based on recent reports leading into 2026:
High Abandonment Rates: NSW shelters are experiencing an "unprecedented" surge in abandoned animals, with some reports indicating that abandonment has surged by 141 per cent in recent months.
System Capacity: Animal shelters and pounds across New South Wales are currently at full capacity due to a "perfect storm" of cost-of-living pressures, with many facilities unable to accommodate more animals.
Previous Data Context: In the 2024–25 financial year, NSW pounds put down 6,508 dogs and cats, with about 13% of dogs leaving these facilities being euthanized.
Waitlists: The RSPCA NSW reported a year-long waitlist for people wanting to surrender their pets in late 2024, a situation that continues to pressure the system into 2026.
For the most accurate and up-to-date data for a specific quarter, the NSW Office of Local Government (OLG) provides annual, rather than quarterly, pound and dog attack statistics.
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Veterinary Nurse Lauren Sumner releases a little penguin back into the ocean at Curl Curl in 2025. Photo: Taronga Wildlife Hospital
Notes - References:
Warringah Council study and report on dogs on their beaches - overview and extracts:
Dee Why Beach was excluded based on the adjacent Wildlife Protection Zone, Long Reef and Fishermans Beach were excluded based on the Aquatic Reserve/wildlife protection zone. The southern end of Collaroy was excluded based on the location of the rock pool and flagged areas.
This left the area of Narrabeen beach from Goodwin Street to King Street as a possible location. This strip is approximately 830 metres in length and would allow a reasonable area for dog exercise. (See Attachment B for location map). Eco Logical Australia was engaged as consultants to undertake a Flora and Fauna assessment of this area. A total of seven threatened species were identified which had known or potential habitat within the proposed site. (See Attachment Booklet for full report) One endangered plant species, Sand Spurge (Chamaesyce psammogeton) is known to occur at this site and was found to be of particular concern at this location. Formally regarded as widespread, is now listed as endangered under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The key threats to Sand Spurge include trampling due to its small size and prostrate growth habit. The research found that it is likely that the entire dune bay area of Ocean Street is habitat for Sand Spurge. This is the only known location for this species in the Warringah LGA. Habitat may also be present, in the form of seed bank in the dune vegetation which extends northwards from the park to the entrance of Narrabeen Lagoon.
The report found that the off leash proposal at Ocean Street was likely to result in a significant impact on the local population of Sand Spurge due to access to the dune by dogs. Dogs are likely to be attracted to the dunes when the beach area is low, and also due to their instinctive hunting behaviour exacerbated in this location due to the presence of rabbits. In doing so dogs may disturb habitat for Sand Spurge through digging and trampling.
As neither Eco Logical Australia or Warringah Council had been unable to find examples of where fences have been able to exclude dogs in sand dunes, which is the only mitigating measure acceptable (apart from continuing the prohibition on dogs), a Species Impact Statement (SIS) would be required to proceed further with a proposal to allow dogs on the beach in this location. In this instance a SIS is likely to cost in excess of $30,000, take a minimum of nine months and would still not necessarily arrive at a determination that would allow dogs on this section of beach without external concurrence from the Director General of the Office of Environment and Heritage.
The issue with dog exclusion fencing in sand dunes is that the fence must be designed in a way that the height of the fence can be changed in line with erosion and accretion of sand at the site to ensure dogs cannot crawl under or jump the fence. It would need to be regularly maintained and monitored to ensure correct height and integrity of the fence. This would be at some significant cost to council.
As the site is within the coastal zone consideration must be given to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Coastal Protection Act 1979, State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 and the State Environmental Planning Policy No. 71 – Coastal Protection and the Warringah Local Environment Plan (WLEP) 2000 before any development of this nature could be considered.
In part WLEP 2000 states that 'a consent authority must be satisfied that a development is consistent with any relevant general principles of development control set out in part 4 of the WLEP 2000. The proposal is not consistent with the general principles in particular of section 56 and 63A of the WLEP 2000 demonstrating an unacceptable environmental impact'.
The 'Dog Free Run Policy' stated 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”. From many responses to the online forum it was clear many residents feel that dogs on beaches would conflict with their use of these resources. This includes dog owners failing to pick up after their dogs.
The two phone surveys showed some conflicting results regarding community opinion on whether dogs should have access to Warringah’s beaches. The random phone survey based on environmental perceptions showed that 76% of people surveyed did not want dogs on any beaches. This point of difference with the more recent random phone survey, where the response was 46% in favour and 38% against (the remainder neutral), may have been due to the sampling methodology. We can see that there is some support from a reasonable portion of the community for partial access to some beaches.
One of the big issues noted by participants in both surveys and also from the online forum was the non compliance by people in relation to picking up their dogs droppings. Council staff have on a number of occasions observed people either distracted and not noticing their dogs have gone to the toilet or else intentionally ignoring their dogs and failing to pick up their dogs droppings. This included in designated unleashed areas with bags and bins supplied. Thus the issue of non compliance is felt warranted.
The initial environmental assessment narrowed the suitability of the northern beaches for dog unleashed exercise to an area approximately 830 metres long on Narrabeen Beach between Ocean Street and Goodwin Street. The issue of keeping dogs away from bird roosting sites such as Long Reef headland is supported by research by Banks and Bryant (2007) which found that dogs can affect the abundance of wildlife. In their study it was shown that in areas of woodland where dogs were walked there was a 35% reduction in bird diversity and a 41% reduction in abundance. Although this was not coastal habitat it does show that dogs do have an impact on wildlife.
Following the engagement of an environmental consultant, Eco Logical Australia, to survey this area a total of seven threatened species were identified which had known or potential habitat within the proposed site.
Of particular concern was one endangered plant species, Sand Spurge (Chamaesyce psammogeton) which is known to occur at this site which is the only known site within the then Warringah Council LGA. The key threats to Sand Spurge include trampling due to its small size and prostrate growth habit. As currently the area where this species resides is unable to be suitably fenced to keep out dogs due to both practical and planning reasons, it is potentially prohibitive and costly, with no guarantee of success, to progress with the requirements to allow a dog access area.
Thus the beaches in the northern area of the LGA, after environmental assessment, show that due to their environmental sensitivity and the presence of threatened species. The report concluded that ''allowing access by dogs to the beaches would compromise their environmental sustainability and should not be permitted''.
Warringah then had:
DOG UNLEASHED EXERCISE AREAS: Frenchs Forest Showground, Frenchs Forest Griffith Park, Collaroy John Fisher Park, Adams St, Curl Curl Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve Curl Curl Curl Curl Lagoon Hinkler Park, North Manly Beverly Job Park South, Narraweena Currie Road, Forestville Truman Reserve, Cromer
RESTRICTED TIMES ONLY: Allambie Oval, Allambie Heights Terrey Hills (Karl Brown) Oval, Terrey Hills Beacon Hill Oval, Beacon Hill Melwood Oval, Forestville
Minutes of the Warringah Council Meeting held on 13 December 2011 note:
Notice of Rescission No 9/2011 Dogs on Beaches Northern Region – Research Paper – Item 9.2, 22 November 2011 (BP REF 195) 376/11 RESOLVED Cr Wilkins / Cr Giltinan That the Council’s resolution relating to Item 9.9, BP Ref 120, passed at the meeting of the Council held on 22 November 2011 which reads as follows: That Council notes the results and conclusions of the research paper. That Council identifies additional sites across the LGA to address the shortfall of leash-free dog parks and also considers the feasibility of extending the hours available to dogs at restricted hours off-leash areas (Allambie Heights, Terrey Hills, Melwood and Beacon Hill Ovals), according to recent public requests for more dog parks and investigations of new sites that have already commenced. That a report on the above be provided to the late February Council Meeting. Be and is hereby rescinded.
VOTING For the resolution: Crs Falinski, Giltinan, Regan, Sutton and Wilkins. Against the resolution: Crs De Luca, Harris, Kirsch, Laugesen and Ray. THERE BEING AN EQUAL NUMBER OF VOTES, THE CHAIR (Mayor) USED HIS CASTING VOTE FOR THE MOTION, WHICH WAS DECLARED CARRIED.
CONSEQUENTIAL MOTION Cr Wilkins / Cr Giltinan
A. That Council note the results and conclusions of the research paper. B. That Council not proceed with any further investigation for leash free dog exercise areas on the northern beaches of Warringah. C. That Council 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 the study to be returned to Council at the earliest possible opportunity.
RESOLVED Cr Wilkins / Cr Giltinan A. That Council note the results and conclusions of the research paper. B. That Council 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. C. That the Curl Curl Lagoon Friends and North Curl Curl SLSC and South Curl Curl SLSC be consulted. D. That Council investigates the possibility of establishing access for dog swimming at the off leash area at Hinkler Park. VOTING For the resolution:
VOTING For the resolution: Crs De Luca, Falinski, Giltinan, Regan, Sutton and Wilkins. Against the resolution: Crs Harris, Kirsch, Laugesen and Ray.
The Minutes of Warringah Council Meeting on 14 February 2012 recorded:
10.3 Starkey Reserve Off-Leash Dog Area (BP REF 106) 14/12 RESOLVED That an unleashed dog exercise area not be provided at Starkey Reserve. That the funding previously allocated to the Starkey Reserve proposal be utilised for installation of fencing and water supply at the Currie Road, Forestville off leash dog exercise area. (THIS ITEM WAS DEALT WITH BY EXCEPTION.)
Sue Heins was voted on to Warringah Council at the September 8 2012 Local Government Elections. Ms Heins had served her local community in a variety of ways prior to standing to serve them on Warringah Council.
The Manly Daily/ Daily Telegraph reported in 2014:
Curl Curl Beach off-leash area for dogs retained by Warringah Council after compromise by Steven Deare, published August 27, 2014
PEOPLE with dogs will retain most of the off-leash area at Curl Curl Beach after a compromise between the two sides of the debate.
Warringah councillors unanimously voted for the changes to the Curl Curl Beach Masterplan at Tuesday’s meeting.
The plan also delivers improvements to access, public amenities and vegetation.
New carpark arrangements will see the number of spaces slightly increase from 172 spaces to 174.
A second carpark entrance proposed at Adina Rd was removed due to residents’ concern.
Cr Sue Heins told residents at the meeting their feedback influenced the decision. “We know you love to walk your dogs off-leash, and not in a contained area but behind the dunes,” she said.
“You said ‘no’ to many paths; you want one path.”
Cr Heins also said fencing would be erected to protect vegetation and lantana would be removed.
Some residents argued for no changes to the off-leash area, while others argued for it to be scaled back.
Warringah Council did not allow dogs on the sand at Curl Curl Beach or North Curl Curl Beach. Off-leash dog exercise is permitted 24/7 in the adjacent Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve, specifically in the large grassed area, on the shared path, and in the lagoon. Dogs must remain on-leash in surrounding public areas.
North Curl Curl: An off-leash dog exercise area is behind the dunes at Adam Street Reserve and no dogs are allowed on the beach. Swimming in Curl Curl Lagoon is not recommended.
Warringah Council meeting held on Tuesday, 26 August 2014:
Cr Heins / Cr Gobert That the Curl Curl Beach Masterplan be adopted.
VOTING For the resolution: Crs Daley, De Luca, Giltinan, Gobert, Harrison, Heins, Kerr, Menano-Pires, Moskal and Regan. Against the resolution: Nil CARRIED
Voting to proceed with Mona Vale Beach dog offleash trial
From: https://www.pittwateronlinenews.com/From-the-Council-Chamber-December-10-2024.php
Those in favour were: Ms Robins, Curl Curl YNB councillors Joeline Hackman, Mr Beaugeard, Manly ,YNB councillor Sarah Grattan, Narrabeen, Independent councillor Bob Giltinan, Mr De Luca, Mr Singh, Ms Dillon, Ms Robins and Mayor Sue Heins (and Frenchs Forest YNB councillor).
Voting against the motion were Frenchs Forest YNB councillor Jody Williams, Mr Hrnjak, Ms Glanville, Manly Greens councillor Bonnie Harvey, Cr. Bingham and Cr, Korzy.
Cr. Korzy report:
Controversy continued with debate about the next step towards providing an offleash dog beach at Mona Vale South Beach. Staff presented the meeting with a draft Plan of Management for the beach, which the council has had to develop to enable a trial of off leash dogs at the beach. The development followed a decision at the August 2023 council meeting to prepare the plan.
The area identified for offleash dogs covers the southern end of the beach, allowing access through walkways across the sand dunes but not on the dunes. Improved fencing of the dunes, which are vegetated in the area, is also proposed.
Two local scientists, ecologist Jayden Walsh, and retired Marine Biologist Murray Macdonald spoke against the proposal for an offleash dog area, with Mr Walsh criticising the council environmental report and Mr Macdonald concerned about how a trial would be monitored and assessed.
Asked during debate if it was true the Review of Environmental Factors for the area had found there would be no significant impact on wildlife - that could not be dealt with by council - if dogs were allowed on the beach, staff responded: “Yes, consultants found there would be no significant impact.”
Asked to clarify how the outcomes of the trial would be reviewed, staff said:
“We’ll have to come back with this detail. It’s mostly about how the trial unfolds, (and the) responsibility of dog owners.”
And asked if a trial could be ended early, staff said: “That would be a matter for council.”
Mr Beaugeard said it sounded like we were voting on a dog trial and asked staff to confirm that instead “we’re voting on whether or not to put the plan of management on exhibition”. Staff replied in the affirmative.
Mr De Luca said he supported placing the Plan of Management on public exhibition, although he acknowledged there were concerns with it but thought these could be dealt with in public consultation.
Curl Curl Greens Councillor Kristyn Glanville said she was concerned about continuing to progress towards a trial, with the intent of establishing an offleash dog beach.
She would have more confidence in a trial if dog owners were required to train their dogs before taking them off leash on a beach, she said.
“I’m concerned about how we have framed this trial. I’m also concerned about metrics. (Our) measurement processes are not rigorous enough.”
Mr Hrnjak also opposed the proposal to include an offleash dog beach, saying: “I’d wager that Frenchs Forest residents won’t want to spend 35 minutes travelling to their favourite beach just to step in dog poo.”
Similarly, Manly’s Ms Bingham recalled a trip to Byron where a dog on the beach had urinated on her towel.
“I don’t support this plan. I have seen the impact on their beaches,” she said.
“Just walking down the track you can smell the urine and see dog poo bags thrown on the beach.
“I’m glad we’re going to have dog etiquette signs, but the trouble is, dogs don’t read signs.
“People will come from everywhere.
“There are two dog rangers on the (Northern) beaches.
“I saw multiple dogs swimming in a protected marine environment at Cabbage Tree Bay just the other day.
“We don’t have the context to have a dog beach if we don’t have enough compliance officers.”
I said I opposed provision for a dog beach in the PoM, and questioned how many residents actually supported the idea, given the numerous emails, phone calls and in person approaches I’ve had from residents who oppose it.
“The council knows that the top priority for residents across the Northern Beaches is the environment,” Cr. Miranda Korzy said
“Multiple ecologists, marine scientists as well as environmentalists have told me they’re opposed to a trial because of the environmental impacts.
“The council commissioned an Environmental Report by a group called Niche Environment and Heritage - which incidentally isn’t included with this report, despite the dog beach hinging on a perceived lack of environmental impact - and the fact that this PoM would not be needed except for pressure from some quarters for a dog beach.
“But how can we trust the survey in this report and know the true impact of dogs on wildlife, when it was carried out with dogs on this beach - as well as Palm Beach - and only on two days at each beach?
“What will the baseline be for any measures of success or failure of a trial?”
When summer comes . . .
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HE MUST go down to the sea again, the lonely sea and the sky- but only for dinner. This hungry little chap couldn't wait for the rest of the flock that gathers for a nightly 3 a.m. party on the beach. Then they return to their nests to sleep all day.
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HOUSING TROUBLES begin, at Mrs. E. Whittaker warns off a mother bird for squatting with its young beside her shed. But (inset) the penguin family sits tight till ready to vacate.
PENGUINS at the bottom of their garden
Spring comes with a difference to the gardens of waterfront homes in Ocean Street, Narrabeen, north of Sydney. It brings flocks of fairy penguins-the smallest of the breed-sauntering in from the sea to take up residence for their nesting season. As daytime guests they're welcome, but at nightfall they head down to the sea for food-making noises that keen everyone else awake, too. They stay for a few months.
HUNTING for invaders under the house, this family is helped by neighbors. Householders have M tried fencing and boarding around their houses, but still the penguins come to nest each year.
SIGNAL'S RIGHT, but the bus speeds on. For most people in Ocean Street, Narrabeen, the penguin novelty has worn off. They would rather have their sleep, which the birds' din disturbs. The noises vary from "woo-woo" to loud dog-like barks.
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THE MAN who came to dinner takes it for granted he's welcome as Mr. W. Gillanty greets him. Residents, particularly light sleepers, now have to resign themselves to a trying time while the penguins, which are protected, are in charge.
PENGUINS at the bottom of their garden (1956, December 12). The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), p. 23. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article41852332