The tiny island community – and their dogs – taking on Transport for NSW

Dangar Island residents are used to doing things their own way.

In the small, car-free community, nestled in the Hawkesbury River on Sydney’s northern fringe, independence isn’t just a mindset – it’s part of daily life.

But a recent change in how pet dogs can travel to and from the island via its main ferry has left many locals feeling stranded.

The island’s ferry service to Brooklyn was folded into Transport for NSW’s Opal network in August, bringing strict new mandates for all dogs to be transported in crates or carriers after decades of leashed, muzzled dogs travelling on the deck. Critics say the policy ignores the realities of life on an island with no roads, no vets, and no alternative public transport.

For Sue Merricks, a 16-year resident of the island, what was once a routine 20-minute trip is now what she describes as an “absurd” logistical challenge.

To leave the island, Merricks must now make her journey – first on the island’s community buggy, then along the narrow jetty and sloped pontoon to the ferry – while managing a large, reluctant animal inside a cumbersome enclosure.

“I’m 75 and I physically can’t carry the crate, so I have to wheel it on to the ferry and then hold it steady for dear life during the journey to stop it rolling around on the deck,” she said.

“At Brooklyn, I let her out while trying to stop her bolting off, then I’m left with the empty crate I have to juggle with my shopping. It just gets more ridiculous as you go along.”

As a result, Merricks say her dog has barely left the island in months. She is not alone.

A petition calling for a review of the policy has attracted 350 signatures – a significant number in a community of about 300 permanent residents.

Lynne McCarthy, a nine-year resident of the island, says muzzles were safer and more practical for her 18-kilogram blue heeler-kelpie cross, Azule.

“The ferry operated for years with muzzles and there were never any incidents. It was an easy, comfortable trip – much better than putting them in a box,” she said, noting the change was having a “big social impact”, with dogs and their owners getting less exercise and socialisation, and delaying vet visits.

“When dogs are unwell, the last thing you want is to manhandle them into a crate.”

Some residents now rely on neighbours with boats, or private water taxis that do not require crates to travel to Brooklyn. But, at $35 each way, the cost adds up.

“You start questioning whether you even need to go,” McCarthy said.

The issue is compounded by the island’s older population, which includes many owners of large dogs, including rescue greyhounds ill-suited to confined crates.

With the public ferry set to be replaced by a smaller 17-passenger vessel during upcoming ramp upgrades at Brooklyn, many locals fear there won’t be room for the crates.

Transport for NSW remained firm on the crates, citing a need for uniformity across the state’s public transport network.

“Rules around travelling with pets on public transport are designed to maintain the safety and enjoyment of all passengers and are applied consistently,” a spokeswoman said.

But with support for the petition growing, Merricks hopes there will be a rethink of the policy for the unique island community.

“It feels like they’re making rules for the minority rather than the majority of dog owners who are responsible” she said.

“I live alone and my dog’s my companion – she keeps my heart and soul together. There should be some compassion.”

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.