Save Whitfords Horse Beach spokeswoman and lead petitioner Sarah Bevan said the group was “very pleased with the success” of the rally “and the level of support received not only from locals, including dog owners, but also members of Parliament”.
The rally to save the 160m horse beach on Whitfords Avenue was sparked by a Joondalup council decision last month to close the beach to horses, which was initiated in 2010 when councillors voted to phase in the closure over four years.
This is to enable the horse float carpark to be reconfigured to allow for more car bays for dog beach users.
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READ NOW“We believe the rally demonstrated the canine and equine communities do co-exist and have an enjoyable morning together as members of the broader community and we would appreciate the opportunity to continue to do so,” Ms Bevan said.
“As one speaker noted, the council gains nothing from closing the beach, however the horse community stands to lose a lot.
“We will continue to fight for access to the beach.”
Wanneroo MLA Paul Miles also addressed the crowd.
“I truly believe with all the support shown here today, from both the horse and dog community and from all sides of Parliament… that we will have this proposal knocked back,” he said.
To continue the beach closure process, the City of Joondalup must amend its local law regarding animals.
“Last week, I personally wrote to the Joint Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation requesting the committee disallow the proposed amendments on the grounds that the beach has a regional significance which simply must be taken into account,” Mr Miles said.
The council will consider a report on June 28, which recommends the City amend the local law for the purpose of public advertising.
The meeting will be held at the Joondalup Civic Centre from 7pm.