‘Inexcusable’: More than a dozen bags of dog poo left on popular Merimbula beach

This picture of a popular Aussie beach has enraged locals and forced council to take action but that decision has proved controversial.

A popular beach on NSW’s Sapphire Coast is dealing with a gross problem that has angered locals.

More than two dozen bags of dog poo were found in the sand dunes of Merimbula’s Main Beach by Landcare workers who were removing invasive weeds last week.

The Far South Coast Landcare Association said it walks beaches from Eden up into the Eurobodalla region, which is about 200km, twice a year and this beach was the worst they had seen.

The association collected the poo bags and tipped them on to the track to take a photo for the local council in an effort to “get some action”.

Bega Valley Shire Council then posted the image to Facebook, urging dog owners to pick up after their pets.

It added that all of the bags were collected in one day within about 50 metres.

These poo bags were collected from the sand dunes in one day. Picture: Bega Valley Shire Council Facebook

Surprisingly, the council informed residents they would be removing the dog waste bag dispensers in the area because of the “misuse”.

“We need your help to tackle this issue! Remember, a proper pooch outing means packing your own dog waste bags and disposing of them responsibly in a bin,” the council said.

“With summer around the corner, let’s work together to keep Merimbula beautiful for all.”

Residents described the behaviour as “appalling”, “inexcusable”, “shameful” and “outrageous”.

“Unbelievable that people can be that irresponsible!!” one person wrote.

“Disgusting. Ban them from the beach if they can’t pick up their mess!!” said another.

“As a dog owner this behaviour distresses me because then we’re automatically all tarred with the same brush and punished even when we do the right thing,” someone else shared. “Please people, remember that if you don’t obey the regulations, you are responsible for removal of dog friendly places.”

But others lashed out at the council for the decision to remove bag dispensers, claiming the real problem was the lack of bins and argued rangers should be fining the culprits.

“Removing the dispenser will make things worse. This mess is inexcusable but sometimes people genuinely forget to bring a bag,” one local said.

“Rangers need to start patrolling the area the council could make a fortune out of people thinking they above the law and find it difficult to follow rules. Taking the bags away is not the answer,” argued another.

“Surely the people who were irresponsible enough to leave these will be the people who are irresponsible enough to just leave the poo on the beach instead of picking it up now there are no bag dispensers. I agree that the better solution may have been extra bins or better bin placement,” reasoned a third.

Merimbula Main Beach is surrounded by holiday apartments and a caravan park. Picture: Google Maps

The Far South Coast Landcare Association gave some insight into why the bag dispensers were likely removed.

“These bags are NOT compostable and will be in the dunes for a long time. I suppose at least poo breaks down fairly quickly, plastic is a much bigger problem!” the association commented.

Residents suggested council provide biodegradable bags and more education around the environmental issue.

Some more extreme options included making the beach dog free or setting up cameras in the dunes to catch those responsible.

Merimbula, a popular tourists town, will have an influx of visitors within weeks.

Main Beach is surrounded by many holiday apartments and a caravan park.