local - 2026-05-24

Northern Beaches Council Bans Sale of Fur on Public Land

Council votes 8-7 to make Northern Beaches the seventh NSW council to go fur-free on public land

In a significant move for animal welfare advocates, the Northern Beaches Council has officially banned the sale of fur products on all council-owned land and at council-managed events. The decision was reached during a closely contested council meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, marking a new ethical stance for local markets and public spaces.

In a significant move for animal welfare advocates, the Northern Beaches Council has officially banned the sale of fur products on all council-owned land and at council-managed events. The decision was reached during a closely contested council meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, marking a new ethical stance for local markets and public spaces. The motion, introduced by Greens Councillor Ethan Hrnjak and supported by Councillor Robert Giltinan, passed by a narrow margin of 8-7. The deciding vote was cast by Mayor Sue Heins. Despite her initial opposition to the motion, Mayor Heins utilized her casting vote to support the ban, reasoning that she was "channeling" the likely vote of absent Greens Councillor Bonnie Harvey. This ruling makes the Northern Beaches the seventh local government area in New South Wales to implement a fur-free policy. The region now joins the ranks of the City of Sydney, Inner West, Liverpool, City of Newcastle, Canterbury-Bankstown, and the Blue Mountains in taking a stand against the fur trade. A Simple Compliance Measure During the meeting, several councillors expressed reservations about the ban, questioning whether such regulations fall within the...