Eurobodalla Shire Councillors adopted a “traffic light” system for walking dogs on the shire’s beaches.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Companion Animal Management Plan 2018 was passed at the council’s Tuesday, October 23 meeting.
The plan has been in the pipeline since late 2017. Beaches designated red prohibit dogs at all times, amber beaches have a time-share arrangement in place, and green beaches are dog-friendly at all times.
Councillor Jack Tait said community input had been considered in all aspects of the plan.
“If anyone says we don’t listen to the public, I think this is proof that we do,” he said.
Members of the Denhams Beach Dog Walkers group said they were pleased with the plan.
“The revised proposal for dog access to Denhams and Wimbie Beaches is much more appropriate … because it takes into account the community benefit of allowing dog-walking on beaches,” Dr Chris McMurray said.
“I’d like to thank the council for responding to our feedback.”
RELATED CONTENT: Revised off-leash dog plan on the table
Several Rosedale residents were dissatisfied with the proposed changes in their area. They said the beaches in Rosedale were rarely used, and felt a time-share arrangement consistent with the rest of the shire was overly restrictive. They also objected to a section of the beach being designated a red zone.
Councillor Rob Pollock moved to change the red zone in Rosedale to an amber time-share zone. The time-share arrangement remained as proposed.
Rosedale resident Andrew Hopkins said he was not satisfied with the change.
“They are putting consistency ahead of the needs of residents," he said.
RELATED CONTENT: Eurobodalla doctor says shire must centralise services
At the October 23 meeting, councillors unanimously voted to support the push for a Eurobodalla regional hospital.
“We will certainly take the case forward to our local member on behalf of our community," Mayor Liz Innes said.
For more news from the meeting, see Friday’s Bay Post/Moruya Examiner and online.