Staff recommend no change to off-leash beach zonings

An Austinmer resident who photographed dog owners flouting bans on Little Austinmer beach has expressed her disappointment at a report recommending off-leash beach zonings stay the same.

Robyn Glynn was one of the few people to publicly support controversial changes to Wollongong City Council’s Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy, urging council to restrict the times dogs would be allowed to roam at northern suburbs off-leash beaches.

On Sunday, the lifelong dog owner and lover said it was a shame council had been influenced by the pro-dogs-on-beaches lobby.

‘‘I am shocked that the council have just been so swayed by such an aggressive and well-organised lobby group,’’ she said.

‘‘After I sent my photos [of dogs misbehaving on Little Austinmer beach to the Mercury] last time people from the area were continually coming up to me and thanking me for helping the cause of the average everyday community member.

‘‘They are the silent majority who did not have a petition to sign.’’

After collating 2000 submissions and two petitions with about 3000 signatures, Wollongong City Council staff recommended there be no change to off-leash beach zonings throughout the city.

This would allow for continued use of Sharkeys, McCauleys and Little Austinmer beaches as unrestricted off-leash areas.

Last week a spokesperson for the ‘‘Unleash Our Beaches’’ group said she was ‘‘ecstatic’’ to read the council’s recommendation.

Mrs Glynn, however, is hoping councillors will consider how chaotic off-leash beaches will become in the summer before they make their decision.

‘‘Despite what is being said there are many people who just want to use [Little Austinmer] beach without dogs interfering with them, but as the summer continues it will just become impossible with so many dogs running uncontrolled and amok on the weekends.’’

Councillors will vote on the dogs on beaches policy on Monday night.