POOCHES can run unleashed on part of a beach in the Camden Haven.
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A proposed blanket ban of dogs on Wash House Beach caused a public outcry three months ago.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council put on hold what it considered to be a compromise last month to consider a submission from the Camden Haven Surrounding Areas Dog Support Committee.
A decision at Wednesday night’s council meeting means dogs to can run without a leash on Wash House Beach, in the area north of Kattang Nature Reserve, at any time.
Camden Head resident Joan Arthur walks her dog, Daisy, on Wash House Beach every day.
“We are absolutely thrilled to bits,” she said about the council decision,.
“We still haven’t got the whole length of the beach, but at least we can go to the beach with our dogs and let them have some exercise,” she said.
The 87-year-old has been walking dogs on Wash House Beach for 41 years.
Council development and environmental services director Matt Rogers said, while not everyone would be happy, he considered the decision to be an acceptable compromise to cater for residents’ needs and address the legitimate conservation requirements for the nature reserve and adjacent sensitive habitats.
Meanwhile, dogs are banned from the small beach to the north of Tacking Point Lighthouse, known as Little Bay, and the Hastings River’s Pelican Island.
A full review of the council’s Dogs on Beaches Policy should be completed in October.
It then will go on public exhibition for comment.
Council administrator Garry Payne said the Wash House Beach decision was not set in concrete.
There would be the chance to review it, he said.