On 21 October 2025, Pittwater Unleashed supporter Julie Alexander addressed the Northern Beaches Council on behalf of our community.

In her speech, Julie reflected on the progress made through the Mona Vale Beach (South) off-leash trial, the importance of responsible ownership, and the shared commitment to creating safe, respectful and joyful beaches for everyone.

Read Julie’s full speech below.

Good evening Madam Mayor and Councillors

My name is Julie Alexander.

Seven weeks ago, I asked you to picture a calm morning — the sun rising over Mona Vale, the beach quiet, just a few footprints in the sand. Billie, my Labrador, trotting by my side on a stretch of beach we could all share.

Well, we don’t have to imagine it anymore. Come down and see it for yourselves.

We’re one week into the dog trial — and what you’ll find isn’t chaos, despite the impressive media glare.

It’s calm.
It’s community.
It’s connection.

Most mornings, you’ll see around 20 dogs; at peak times, close to 80. Families, kids, singles, coffee groups, swimmers with their dogs, and others sitting quietly on the sand. There’s something about the ocean — it lifts everyone’s energy. It’s become a genuine community hub.

Before the trial, there were concerns:

People spoke of “dogs lacking basic obedience skills, like recall — being let loose around young families and native wildlife.”
We haven’t seen any obedience issues.

It was said it should remain “a safe, clean, and inclusive environment for all — including fishers and surfers.”
It is.

Some worried about “the smell of urine, dog bags in the bushes, and dogs ignoring the boundary lines.”
That hasn’t happened.

We all heard the forecasts: dogs running wild, disturbed wildlife, knee-deep in poop, irresponsible owners, dog fights, bitten children and even bitten seals and turtles.

Here’s the reality:

• Zero poops left behind
• Zero bags blowing in the dunes
• Zero dogs in the dunes
• Zero attacks
• Zero wildlife harmed

The only “incident”? One fisherman set up right in the middle of the trial zone during trial hours had his bucket wee’d on. Lesson learned — fast.

We’ve spoken with a few people unaware the trial doesn’t cover the whole beach. Rangers have handled others calmly. We’ve coordinated a 50-strong WhatsApp group to monitor and educate and reduce pressure on rangers.

And speaking of rangers — a big thank you to Simon, Mark, Mitch, Shane and Pej. They’ve been outstanding.

We’ve worked with Jess on education, and with Hollie on practical fixes like bin placement and signage.

That “positive social contract” between owners, beachgoers and council — it’s real.

Are we perfect? No. Do some dawdle when the clock strikes 10? Maybe. But we’re a long way from the disaster that was predicted.

It’s impossible to be genuinely appalled and saddened when you see the joy, the care, and the responsibility this community has shown.

People are praising the council — and that doesn’t happen often.

So on behalf of everyone involved — thank you for your confidence, your partnership, and your belief that this community could step up.

It’s early days, but every sign points to a great outcome — for the council, the community, and the dogs who finally get to enjoy sandy paws.

Thank you.