The cold weather is good news for local dog-owners, with the winter timetable now in effect.
Dogs are now allowed on orange zones before 9am and after 4pm. While they are on these beaches, dogs must stay on a leash.
Orange zone beaches in the Northern Illawarra include:
- part of Stanwell Park Beach
- Coalcliff
- Scarborough / Wombarra
- Brickyard Point
- Thirroul
- Sandon Point Beach
- Bulli
- Woonona
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM says it is important dog owners noted the change of hours.
“Our rangers are out and talking with community members to remind them of their responsibilities as a dog owner,’’ he says. “And while it’s good that people are giving their dogs essential exercise, they need to follow the rules. This also includes cleaning up after your dog and throwing used poo bags in the bin, and keeping dogs off rock platforms and out of rock and ocean pools.’’
Green-zones beaches allow year-round off-leash access.
No dogs are allowed in Red Zones.
Orange zones have timed, on-leash access.
The summer timetable for orange zoned beaches resumes at the start of the September school holidays.
“I would also like to remind everyone that, right now, beaches are for exercise only,” says Councillor Bradbery. “They’re not spaces for socialising, sunbaking or relaxation.
“We all need to work together and to do the right thing to support the State and Federal Governments’ social and physical distancing measures. The number of people being diagnosed with Coronavirus, or COVID-19, might be on a downward trend in NSW but we need to continue to be vigilant to protect our vulnerable community members.’’