Dogs face beach ban

Dogs may be banned from Peninsula beaches, apart from limited areas at Ettalong and Patonga.

Gosford Council will advertise the proposals in February for public comment.

The proposals allow dogs at Ettalong on the portion of beach bounded by Barrenjoey Rd and the boat ramp opposite Kourung St and at Patonga east of the Dark Corner Boat Ramp.

At both areas, dogs will be permitted "off the leash" at any time of day.

The proposal has been put to Gosford Council in a report from its strategy and policy forum.

"During summer, many complaints arise as a result of family visits to beaches spoiled by interference from unrestrained dogs and the unwillingness of many owners to pick up (droppings) after their dogs," according to the report.

"Lifeguards bare the brunt of the community's frustration.

"Unfortunately, each year a number of dog attacks are reported involving young children.

"Council has the most relaxed rules governing beach access for dogs of any of the coastal councils from Newcastle to Wollongong.

"However, dog owners are stakeholders in the city and enjoy and expect the opportunities to exercise their dogs on the city's many beaches."

The current policy allows dogs access to all Peninsula beaches, 24 hours per day provided they are on a leash.

There are also a number of "off-leash" exercise areas on all beaches where dogs can run free between the hours of 6pm and 9am provided they are accompanied by a competent person who has control of four dogs or fewer.

Currently Ettalong and Patonga have off-leash areas.

The forum's proposal will ban all dog access to beaches apart from designated off-leash areas.

The strategy and policy forum identified a number of problems with the current policy including:

Few dog owners walk their dog on a leash, which increases the chance of attacks and nuisance behaviour.

Enforcement is almost impossible with owners having a leash handy to put on the dog if they see a ranger and rangers are unable to divert sufficient resources to enforce the policy.

Waste is left on the sand creating health and environmental issues.

Off-leash areas are poorly defined and located.

State Government legislation allows councils to prohibit dogs from any public reserve if it deems it suitable, although it compels councils to provide "off-leash" exercise areas.

The report said the new off-leash areas would be away from popular swimming and family locations, in areas that can be clearly defined. Signs would be erected and there would be no time limit.

Dog bins would be located at access ways surrounding the designated exercise area.

The proposed amendments will be on public display between February 1 with submissions accepted until March 16.

The existing off-leash area on public reserve in Hillview St between Nambucca Dve and Railway St, Woy Woy, will remain.

Carl Spears, December 11