‘The facts’ about Werri Beach off leash area

Below are the facts about the Werri Beach Off Leash Dog Area as I understand them:

• The South Precinct meeting requested council continue with the off leash area at Werri Beach.
• Council’s Companion Animals Management Committee recommended that council continue the off leash area due to the success of the trial.
• Rangers’ report of the trial period shows very few people use this small part of the beach.
• People who do not wish to have contact with dogs can use the rest of this long beach or use this area between 9am and 5pm.
• 31 submissions were for continuation of this off leash beach area and only six against.
• Director of Environmental Service Andrew Knowlson recommended the off leash area be made permanent.
• Council voted to continue with this off leash area.
• South Precinct residents are treated differently to Kiama residents, who have an off leash beach area for dogs. Older residents do not wish to drive to Kiama.
• Many councils along the east coast provide off leash beach areas, such as upmarket Terrigal and Avoca Beaches, Sirius Cove (Mosman) and Nelson Beach (Vincentia) opposite large, expensive homes.

I hope council will accept these recommendations and make Werri Beach off leash dog area permanent.

– Beatrice Hodgson
Gerringong