Minnamurra River dog paddling plan survives

In July last year, Kiama councillors resolved to conduct a six-month trial of a dog "on-leash" swimming area in Minnamurra River between the rail and road bridges at Trevethan Reserve, despite strong opposition from government agencies and council staff because of the environmental significance of the area.

The permitted hours were before 9am and after 5pm.

On Tuesday night, Kiama councillors were presented with the results of the trial, which found the on-leash area had operated without incident.

However, Kiama Council's ranger services said that after 256 random patrols, it was apparent dog owners were not using the area extensively, perhaps because of the successful trial of an off-leash swimming area at the southern end of Jones Beach, Kiama Downs.

Cr Andrew Sloan moved that the council not proceed with moves to make the Minnamurra River on-leash swimming area permanent, but with the vote four-all and Cr Steel absent from the meeting, Cr Petschler used his casting vote to keep the consultation process alive.

However, the council resolved to reconsider the item in conjunction with the review of the Minnamurra Estuary Management Plan, a draft version of which is expected next month.

Council rangers declared the trial of the Jones Beach dog off-leash swimming area a success, with the area well used.

Rangers provided an interim report saying there had been one dog attack by a German shepherd on a female jogger, while six people were cautioned for not picking up dog faeces and seven cautioned for being outside the designated area.

Rangers said the total number of breaches represented 4.39 per cent of the 387 people recorded using the area.

The council resolved to place the proposal for a permanent off-leash area at Jones Beach, with the operating hours between sunrise and sunset, on exhibition for public comment.

aarnold@fairfaxmedia.com.au