Pittwater Unleashed

15/07/2025

Our post lit up last night and right on cue, the anti-dog brigade came marching in with their tired old line: “Move if you want to walk your dog on the beach.” Really? That’s the best they’ve got? When a community rallies for fair access and shared public space, responding with exclusion and eviction fantasies only shows how out of step they are. This isn’t just about dogs it’s about dignity, equity and the kind of place we want to live in.

Beaches are shared public spaces and dog owners are part of this community too. Responsible dog access isn't a radical idea, it’s something that’s been managed successfully across Australia and the entire world.

The popularity of this post speaks volumes: most people value inclusion, fairness and balanced solutions. If the conversation’s about coexistence, telling people to pack up and leave misses the mark entirely.

Here's Lisa Llewellyn dog: "Eddie runs on the beach at Kingscliff three times a day. He says he's happy his people no longer live at Narrabeen for that reason." Kingscliff's dog owners have built more than just a routine, they’ve built real friendships. It’s the kind of community where dogs bring people together. That’s the bonus.

Northern Beaches Council

14/07/2025

On the golden sands of the Northern Beaches, locals gather at dawn and dusk, their dogs bounding joyfully over sand and water. Time passed. Pups grew old, as did their companions, bones aching but hearts resolute. They had petitioned, pleaded, argued their cause and waited for twelve years - tides came and went, but Council’s promises for ten of those years, vanished like footprints in wet sand.

Rangers lurked like clockwork, ready to pounce with scanners and fines, more mercenary than guardians of good governance.

The dogs who once danced are gone now, remembered in laughter and fur-soft memories. Yet each morning and evening, people still stroll the beach, whispering, "This was meant to be theirs." A legacy of paws etched into the shoreline, waiting for justice.

Northern Beaches Council

13/07/2025

Pittwater Unleashed recently sent a letter to the CEO of Northern Beaches Council expressing our ongoing concerns. We noted - somewhat pointedly - that World War II lasted five years and the lack of tangible outcomes remains a serious concern to our dog owning community. Twelve years into this process, and we are still waiting on the delivery of the Promised Sand.

18 months ago, a very capable person was appointed to move this forward and he and his team are doing their best. Please bear in mind that part of the delay stems from the need to make these Plans of Management watertight - robust enough to withstand frivolous challenges in the Land and Environment Court.

Here is the e-mail from Northern Beaches Council re Dog Friendly Beach Access on the Northern Beaches

“Thank you for your email. The CEO has forwarded your correspondence and asked me to reply on his behalf.

I acknowledge your concerns about the length of time Council is taking to make decisions about the proposed dog off-leash area trials for Palm Beach (north) and Mona Vale Beach (south). I can assure you Council has been and will continue to progress these proposals with due diligence.

We intend to bring a report to Council by August 2025 about the proposed trial for Mona Vale Beach (south) and to adopt a Plan of Management.

In regard to the proposed trial for Palm Beach (north) a draft Governor Phillip Park Plan of Management that incorporates a trial is nearing completion. The next steps are to obtain approval from the NSW Government and Council to publicly exhibit the draft Plan of Management and then to exhibit for community feedback.

We intend to bring a report to Council in late 2025 about the proposed trial for Palm Beach (north) and to adopt a Plan of Management.

I commend Pittwater Unleashed on its advocacy over many years for dog-friendly beach access for our Northern Beaches community.

Should you require any further information or assistance in this matter, please contact my office."

12/07/2025

This is the top of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Tre Cime in the Dolomites, Italy.

Dogs are allowed everywhere. No p**p issues. No dog fights. No peeing on your bags when you’ve sat down to enjoy the view. No wildlife disturbed. Although they do photobomb from time to time. Cable cars allow dogs, as do restaurants.

We do hope the Council get a little more European in their perspectives on sharing a bit of sand with dogs.

From Pittwater Unleasher Julie Alexander Bingahm. Photo of the day.

Rowie Dillon

11/07/2025

Some of you may have noticed that the outcome for the South Mona Vale Draft Plan of Management which includes the proposed off-lead dog trial, is not listed on this Tuesday’s Council Agenda.

We would just like to let you know that all the documents are drafted but the Council were racing the clock for the necessary reviews to be completed before the July meeting. It will definitely be on the Agenda for August 12.

This Plan of Managment will be one of the only POM's which is fit for purpose- there are over 90. And the staff have put in considerable time and effort into getting it right.

Yet many of the newly elected Councillors appear unaware of the facts and the background. Will they support the staff or is their ideology more important than the voices of their community? That remains to be seen.

Kirsten's springer spaniel at Bilgola beach - longing for the Promised Sand.

29/06/2025

From Alison Read:

My dog is literally my best friend. She loves me with all my quirks and baggage. She trusts me, she wants to be with me all the time. She is always happy to see me.

She is almost 8 and in that time I have lost both my parents and one of my best friends.

Dogs are not people but we are so undeserving of the love and joy they bring us, no strings attached.

28/06/2025

Tales of tails: Pittwater Unleashers share their pup-dog stories with us. Here's Lisa Martin's story:

"Frank brings sunshine to my world every day. If he was a person he would be a loyal friend, someone who can be relied on to do the right thing. Not necessarily the life of the party, but the steady influence whom your Mum would approve of. But will show you his cheeky side once you get to know him 🥰"

Have a dog story you’d love to tell? We’re all ears!

27/06/2025

What would the world be like without dogs? Dogs are more than pets: they are the emotional glue in countless households. There's the morning tail thump that says ‘you’re not alone,’ the soft eyes that hold your worry without judgment, the goofy bark that breaks the tension when things get too heavy. When life feels fragmented, he’s the thread that stitches us back together.

Tells us what your dog means to you or to your family. And share a photo of your dog or a dog you have loved and lost.

18/06/2025

Eyes out for snails & slugs 🐌

The parasite carried by rats and transmitted by snails poses a growing risk to dogs, and possibly people, after heavy rain.

16/06/2025

Pittwater Unleashed has been given an invitation to participate in the upcoming stakeholder forum as part of the NSW Government’s review of the Companion Animals Act 1998 and Companion Animals Regulation 2018.

Receiving this invitation is a meaningful acknowledgment of Pittwater Unleashed and the impact of our 11 years of advocacy. It validates the dedication and passion behind our efforts to improve the lives of companion animals and the lives of people on the Northern Beaches. We’ll share more details soon, but this recognition reinforces why our advocacy matters.

Meanwhile, from Channel 9's Instagram:

"Should there be harsher penalties for pet-related offences?

A Sydney Council has submitted an application to the state government to review the Companion Animals Act, saying they want bigger fines and harsher penalties for dog owners caught doing the wrong thing.

That could include actions like "off-leash dogs harassing children or wildlife" and "owners neglecting to pick up droppings".

Pittwater Unleashed stands as a powerful voice for responsible pet ownership.

12/06/2025

Sad but very informative post.