Summer means times have changed to take your dog to the beach

SUMMER is coming and that means the times you can take your dog to the orange zoned, on-leash, timed access beaches has now changed.

Residents planning to visit our orange zone beaches must do so before 9am and after 6pm – and their dogs must stay on a leash.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said pet owners must continue to be mindful of others when out for COVID-safe exercise and ensure they’re at the right beaches at the right times.

“We know exercise has been crucial for our physical and mental health, and for some families, this means a walk on the beach with their dog,” Cr Bradbery said.

“Pet owners have enjoyed our orange zone beaches but we urge they take note of the summer hour changes and factor this in when planning their visits.

“This is not a time to be complacent and relax, so it’s important to follow the current Public Health Orders. If your usual spot looks busy, please come back at another time or find an alternate location for you and your dog.”

The orange zone beaches in the north include:

• part of Stanwell Park Beach
• Coalcliff
• Scarborough / Wombarra
• Brickyard Point (Austinmer)
• Thirroul
• Sandon Point Beach (Bulli)
• Bulli
• Woonona
• part of Bellambi Beach
• Corrimal
• Towradgi
• part of Fairy Meadow Beach

“Council’s compliance officers will continue to be out to educate and ensure dogs and their owners are doing the right thing.” Cr Bradbery said.

“We also have signage at our beaches, so if you’re unsure if your dog is permitted in the area, have a read before stepping on the sand. But, no matter what, your dogs should never enter the rock pools.”

Council has three zones to clearly show where dogs are, and are not, permitted on beaches. Green-zones beaches allow year-round off-leash access, no dogs are allowed in Red Zones, and orange zones have timed, on-leash access. Dogs should never be in rock pools or on rock platforms.

“Please continue to do the right thing by cleaning up after your dogs, throwing the poo bags in the bin and being mindful of other community members. And if you’re visiting our green-zone areas, please only let your dog off-leash once you’re on the sand and not in the car park,” he said.

Cr Bradbery reminded beachgoes to social distance, wear a mask when required, carry and use hand sanitizer, and if you’re feeling unwell, to skip the beach walk, isolate and get tested.

For a full list of our timed access beaches and more information please visit our Dog on Beaches and Parks page.

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