There are now two opposing community petitions for the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council proposal to reclassify a section of popular local beach from leash-free to a no dog zone.
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Concerned residents had previously gathered at Washhouse Beach at Dunbogan on June 24 to sign a 638-strong petition against the proposal.
A new petition created by Friends of Kattang to support the council proposal has been signed by more than 70 people.
Council's draft proposal aims to prohibit dogs on the section of beach between the breakwall and Kattang Nature Reserve.
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A Friends of Kattang spokesperson said group volunteers have seen dogs and dog prints within the nature reserve, outside the off-leash dog walking area of Washhouse Beach.
"Dogs and nature reserves don't mix. It's well studied that domestic dogs are a threat to native wildlife," the spokesperson said.
"Merely the sound or scent of a dog can cause wildlife to abandon or avoid an area, change their feeding or breeding habits, which is so detrimental to their survival.
"Council's consultation about dogs on Washhouse, highlights that many dog walkers don't appear to know or acknowledge that a large part of Washhouse is actually within Kattang Nature Reserve.
"The issue isn't about 'locking people out' of an area, it's about responsible dog ownership. If people stayed within the dog walking area, there wouldn't be a problem. It's unfortunate for dog walkers who do the right thing, but many people just don't."
The spokesperson said the current issues are proof that a council review and creation of the current off leash dog area in 2011, hasn't worked and has created regulatory confusion.
Friends of Kattang Nature Reserve was started by a group of Camden Haven residents more than 20 years ago. Group volunteers work across the 58ha reserve to remove invasive weeds and record wildlife numbers.
A report to the May council meeting said council and National Parks and Wildlife Service received many complaints about this section of Washhouse Beach.
The report said it was confusing for dog owners to stay within the small off-leash area in between two prohibited areas at Pilot Beach and Kattang Nature Reserve.
The proposed change would reduce sign requirements, reduce confusion and enable the National Parks and Wildlife Service to implement various management programs, the report said.
Proposed changes follow feedback from key stakeholders and survey responses.
Community consultation on the draft Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy concluded on June 21. It will now proceed to the July ordinary meeting of council.
For more information about the new petition supporting the proposal visit https://me.getup.org.au/petitions/keep-wash-house-beach-for-nature
For more information about the petition opposing the council proposal visit https://www.change.org/p/port-macquarie-hastings-council-make-wash-house-beach-dog-friendly?redirect=false