We would like to know where the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is getting their qualified information regarding the nesting of shore birds at Washhouse Beach and the presence of loggerhead turtles.

It clearly says in the article that 'members of the local community have told us'.

Is the NPWS relying on the speculative and vexatious comments of a few vested interests from Camden Head?

I have regularly attended Washhouse and Dunbogan beaches, and it is clear to me and many other residents that Dunbogan Beach and Grant's Beach (both adjoining reserves) have a higher presence of shore birds than Washhouse Beach.

There has only ever been one instance of loggerhead turtles sighted and that was at Dunbogan Beach. Why is Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and NPWS not striving to close these beaches to dog access and, more importantly, beach driving, but relying on unqualified evidence to close Washhouse Beach to dogs?

It is ironic that of all the dog access areas in the PMHC electorate, only Washhouse Beach is being singled out for closure.

We call on the NPWS to provide and undertake an independent scientific study of the fauna nesting behaviours on Washhouse Beach, and show evidence of such behaviour, before any motion can be passed to change the current dogs on beach policy.

Dan Guthrie on behalf of Camden Head Impartial Progressive Society (CHIPS)