About 450 residents and dog owners gathered at Davistown’s Pippi Point on Sunday, September 10, to protest Central Coast Council’s proposal to cut down the size of the popular off-dog leash area.
Council’s latest draft Dogs in Open Spaces Action Plan suggests a “compromise” for Pippi Point, which Council originally proposed to close altogether.
The latest proposal would see the dog off-leash area reduced, eliminating access to the beachfront.
Residents say Council is trying to cut down the dog park in a “misguided attempt to protect a bird which has never nested, roosted or bred at this site”.
“Three environmental reports have confirmed this,” a resident spokesperson said.
“Council has adjusted its position a little but still plans on taking away beach access for people and their dogs.
“This will have a profound effect on people who use the park on a daily basis.
“For many who access with wheelchairs and mobility aids these changes mean they will no longer be able to access the beach at all and Council will be indirectly discriminating against people with disabilities and the elderly as a result.”
One of those residents is Rosemary Street, who said Pippi Point was one of few places she could access with her dog.
If the area is reduced she won’t be able to get onto the small sandy area, as it’s impossible for her to access it.
“I love walking that Point and have for many years now and I, along with others, will be restricted,” she said.
“I go down there nearly every day – it helps my mental attitude to walk along the beach and I’ll be very sad if I can’t access it.”
The rally at Illoura Reserve on September 10 was arranged by the Save Pippi Point OLA campaign team.
The proposed fence line was mocked up to show people the extent of the proposed changes.
Children used to being able to splash in the shallow waters, fishermen and people with mobility issues, who can only access the beach from Pippi Point, all attended to show their disapproval of the proposed changes.
Speakers included spokesperson Johny Row, long-time park visitor Jim Splatt and Rosalind Bonser (CCBARC, who outlined what the current Dogs in Open Spaces Action Plan draft is proposing for Davistown.
People were encouraged to ask questions on the proposed changes and were told how all would be affected by the complete fencing of Pippi Point and the loss of the popular beach area on Lintern Channel side.
Attendees were encouraged to sign an online petition, which currently has more than 3,120 signatures.
They were shown how to access the Council site for online submissions.
Long-time local dog owners George and Bets Conway of Central Coast Ferries were thanked for funding a free barbecue for all to enjoy.
Organisers are urging residents to get their individual submissions in to Council before October 1.
The petition can be found at change.org
Terry Collins
Fully in support of increasing bird protection areas. Wildlife diversity in the region is one of our most precious features, at a time when it is under attack from domestic & feral animals & loss of habitat
In a Democracy, we have a duty to find out before voting
On 12th September, 2023, I received an unsolicited, unauthorised SMS message to my private phone from an individual identifying herself as Jacinta Price (who may or may not be the Liberal Party member). It said if I don’t know about the referendum, to vote no, and enclosed a link supposedly for a postal vote. Note that this link and SMS could have been a scam.
I also knew that a Jacinta Price leads the Australians for Unity charity, and so was confused as to who authorised this messsage.
Was the SMS from a political party, or was it from a Charity which has the goals to educate the public?
If the latter, the message to vote no if you don’t know appears to be contradictory to the objects of the Charity she leads.
I will vote yes because first nations people were here before Captain Cook, and because first nations need to have their opinion respected by those in government about important matters to make their lives better. It will make us a fairer nation.
Yeh I am too, but when it’s researched and proven to make a beneficial impact. That doesn’t apply in this situation.
I also strongly oppose an administrator making decisions such as this in opposition to the community. It should be postponed until elections are held next year and we have elected councillors.