local - 2026-05-29

Northern Beaches Becomes NSW's Seventh Fur-Free Council

Council votes 8-7 to prohibit animal fur sales at local markets and events on council-managed land

Northern Beaches Council has voted to ban the sale of animal fur products at all council-owned and council-managed markets, events, and community spaces — a decision that places the area among a growing number of local governments across New South Wales taking a stand on animal welfare grounds.

Northern Beaches Council has voted to ban the sale of animal fur products at all council-owned and council-managed markets, events, and community spaces — a decision that places the area among a growing number of local governments across New South Wales taking a stand on animal welfare grounds. The motion, moved by Greens Councillor Ethan Hrnjak and Councillor Robert Giltinan OAM, passed by a narrow 8-7 margin at the council meeting held on Tuesday, 19 May. The vote was ultimately decided by Mayor Sue Heins, who exercised her casting vote in favour of the motion after noting that the absent Greens Councillor Bonnie Harvey would in all likelihood have supported it. The decision makes Northern Beaches the seventh council in New South Wales to adopt a fur-free policy, joining the City of Sydney, Inner West, Liverpool, City of Newcastle, Canterbury-Bankstown, and Blue Mountains councils. What the Ban Covers The policy prohibits the sale of products made from or containing real animal fur — including coats, toys, rugs, and accessories — at any market stall or event operating on council-controlled land. It does not extend to private retail businesses operating within the Local...