The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Central Coast Council have installed new signs at Wamberal Lagoon Nature Reserve and around Wamberal Surf Club to remind dog owners the areas that are off limits.
It is illegal to bring dogs into Wamberal Lagoon Nature Reserve, including the lagoon and the beach north of Wamberal Surf Club, as well as Council's 'Dogs Prohibited' area running south of Wamberal Surf Club to Surfers Lane.
Pet owners face on-the-spot fines of between $300 and $3,300 if their dogs are found in restricted areas.
Reports of illegal activity have increased significantly, such as walking in the nature reserve, uncontrolled dogs, and owners not picking up after their pets.
New signs installed at Remembrance Drive and around Wamberal Surf Club clearly show where dogs are permitted, including Council's off-lead dog exercise area south of Surfers Lane, Wamberal.
Following the new signs, Rangers have had several disappointing interactions with dog walkers. It is illegal to bring a dog into a national park or nature reserve in NSW as they can harm native animals and disrupt park visitors' enjoyment (unless the dog is a certified assistance animal). Additionally, dogs marking bushland or grasses can deter native animals from their habitat.
Wamberal Lagoon is one of the last remaining coastal lagoons in NSW that has not been heavily impacted by urban development. The nature reserve also protects habitat for at least seven species of migratory birds, including the Pacific Golden Plover and the Bar Tailed Godwit.
NPWS and Council Rangers will be undertaking compliance patrols and pet owners face on-the-spot fines of $300, with a maximum fine of up to $3300, if domestic dogs are detected in a prohibited area.
