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On Tuesday night, Shoalhaven City Councillors voted in favour of opening a section of Cudmirrah Beach at Sussex Inlet to dog owners, allowing an off-leash zone. The decision will improve convenience for dog owners, who would previously travel 35km to the nearest off-leash dog beach at Bendalong. The 2km off-leash zone will be implemented for a 12-month trial period. Local environmentalist Mike Clear fears the decision will impact endangered shorebirds. Cudmirrah Beach is a nesting site for hooded plovers “Surveys repeatedly show people are attracted to the Shoalhaven above all, because of its natural heritage,” Dr Clear said. “This should, overwhelmingly, motivate us to do all in our power to protect those natural areas for their natural heritage “Ensuring that dogs are under effective control where serious issues of species survival and biodiversity are at stake is hardly a major imposition on dogs or their owners.” Cr Andrew Guile opposed the motion on the basis on ensuring the beach is safe for all users. “Responsible dog off-leash areas are usually fenced, I don't know how you do that at the beach,” Cr Guile said. “Go to a dog beach, and look at the owners, they're not in control of their dogs. “The dogs get distracted by other dogs, they can attack other dogs, and just annoy people.” Cr Annette Alldrick was among the majority of councillors who supported the motion. “What great fun it is to bring your dog to the beach, have a swim and enjoy it,” Cr Alldrick said. “I leave one of my dogs at home because I don’t trust him at the beach, responsible dog ownership requires knowing your dogs.” FOR: Crs Patricia White, John Wells, Joanna Gash, Mitchell Pakes, Greg Watson, Bob Proudfoot, Alldrick AGAINST: Crs Amanda Findley, Guile, Kaye Gartner, Nina Cheyne, John Levett ABSENT: Cr Mark Kitchener

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