On 19 August 2025, Pittwater Unleashed founder Michele Robertson addressed Northern Beaches Council as the Mona Vale Beach (South) Plan of Management came up for decision.

Speaking for thousands of local supporters, Michele called for evidence-based decision-making, inclusion and balance — reminding Council that the community’s voice on timed dog access has been clear and consistent for more than a decade. Her address captured the spirit of fairness, connection and common sense at the heart of Pittwater Unleashed.

Read Michele’s full speech below.

Good evening, Michele from Pittwater Unleashed.

Tonight, I speak not just for myself, but for the thousands of local voices who’ve stood with me over 11 years, asking for something simple, reasonable and deeply rooted in community spirit: timed access for dogs to enjoy two beaches.

The Draft Plan of Management is complete. The issue of dog access has been examined thoroughly and resolved. There’s talk that some dissenting councillors may push for an amendment to the Plan of Management, to ban dogs altogether from our beaches – a move that would ignore both the evidence and the overwhelming community will.

This is not a fringe campaign. Over 90% of submissions over the years have supported timed dog access. That’s not a statistical blip. That’s democracy speaking.

Timed access is about balance. It respects the environment, the needs of families, walkers, swimmers, and yes – dog owners. It should be a compromise forged in dialogue, not conflict. And it reflects what this community wants: inclusion, not exclusion.

For 11 years, I’ve listened, learned, and worked collaboratively. I’ve met with councillors, rangers, residents, council staff and volunteers. We’ve removed misinformation and built understanding. And with your vote tonight, we can finally move forward – not backward – with a plan that reflects the trust we’ve built.

In a time when loneliness is being labelled an epidemic, wouldn’t you think our Council would have some responsibility to build social connectedness? Communities within communities. Dog owners coming together, build more than routine, they build real friendships. We want a community that brings people together.

In 2020, I patrolled Station Beach for the glorious 12 months when we were able to walk our dogs there, often twice a day, and never ever saw dog poo. What I did see, and clean up, was human rubbish, including a syringe just metres from where our children play near the southern steps. A dog didn’t do this.
I am asking you tonight not to let a possible amendment erase a decade of progress. Don’t let it silence the voices of your constituents. Vote for the Plan of Management as it stands. Let’s honour the process, the evidence, and most importantly, the people . Good people value inclusion, fairness and balanced solutions.

Here’s part of a poem I shared with our 6,400 Facebook followers:

Just tell the big wigs what matters to you:
Beach walks with your bestie, your kids, or your crew.
It’s not just about pups chasing waves with glee,
It’s about how we share our land by the sea.
So wag your voice, give it some sway –
And help shape the rules in a doggone good way!

Pittwater Unleashed stands for truth over confusion, fair access over exclusion and a stronger voice for dog-loving residents who simply want to walk, swim and play with dignity. Let’s stand up for paws, people and common sense. Because enough is enough. The community has spoken.

Finally, a big thank you to the staff for their hard work in crafting this POM. It deserves to be respected and not undermined.

Thank you.