Do you know the rules for dogs on beaches and in parks?
Here in Wollongong we're spoilt for choice with a number of great on-leash and off-leash beaches, not to mention our great dog parks. But before you take your four-legged friends for a trip to the beach, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of red, orange and green zones.
- Green zone – off-leash areas. Dogs are allowed off-leash at any time in these zones.
- Orange zone - time on-leash areas. Dogs are allowed in these areas during certain times but must stay on a leash.
- Red zones - no dogs are allowed in these areas at any time.
Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the times in which dogs are allowed on orange zones changes depending on the season.
"Now that it's summer and the days are a little longer, we've changed the hours that dogs are allowed on beaches. From now until April, dogs will be allowed on-leash in orange zone beaches before 9am and after 6pm."
"It's important that all dog owners make sure they know what times they can take their pets out for exercise when using Council's on-leash zones. Our Compliance Officers are working and reminding people about their responsibilities as pet owners when out and about. For those who do the wrong thing, the fines can be as much as $330."
Orange zone beaches include:
- part of Stanwell Park Beach
- Coalcliff
- Scarborough / Wombarra
- Brickyard Point
- Thirroul
- Sandon Point Beach
- Bulli
- Woonona
- part of Bellambi Beach
- Corrimal
- Towradgi
- part of Fairy Meadow Beach
- Fisherman's Beach.
"I hope to continue to see community members and their dogs make the most of our great outdoor areas here in Wollongong while the weather is hot. There are so many fantastic parks and beaches that offer opportunities for dogs to stretch their legs, socialise with their families and other dogs and enjoy the outdoors," said Cr Bradbery.
"At the same time, it's important that we all continue to follow the rules so that everyone can enjoy these spaces. That means checking the signs at each beach to ensure you and your dog is doing the right thing, and always cleaning up after your dog and throwing used poo bags in the bin."
Dogs are not allowed on rock platforms or in rock pools and ocean pools at any time. This applies to all rock platforms whether it's a red, orange or green zoned beach.
"Our rock pools and rock platforms are home to a variety of marine life such as fish, birds, crabs, plants and more. Dogs do not belong in these natural ecosystems and we ask all owners to make sure that their dogs stay well away from these areas," said Cr Bradbery.
"No matter where you take your dog, all dogs must always be under the control of a responsible person in any zone including on and off-leash areas."
