FAQs - Narrawallee Beach Dogs Access

This engagement aims to gather feedback from the community regarding proposed permanent dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach. The feedback received will help inform Council’s final decision-making process.

The following proposed permanent dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach aim to outline specific areas for dog activities while ensuring environmental protection and public safety:

North:

• The northern part of Narrawallee Beach, spanning from the unnamed island to Narrawallee Inlet Reserve, will remain dog-prohibited.
• This includes Narrawallee Creek Inlet Reserve, Narrawallee Creek Inlet (including sand banks exposed by tidal action), and Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve under the jurisdiction of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Central:

• A timed dog off-leash area will be maintained in the central portion of the beach, extending from the unnamed island to the main beach access track leading to the Matron Porter Drive Reserve carpark.
• Access to this timed off-leash area will be facilitated via six designated beach access tracks within Matron Porter Drive Reserve.
• Dogs must remain on-leash within Matron Porter Drive Reserve and all designated beach access tracks.

South:

• The southern part of Narrawallee Beach, starting from the main Matron Porter Drive Reserve beach access track, will remain dog-prohibited.
• This prohibition includes the Victor Avenue Steps and Surfers Avenue Steps, as well as the rocky outcrop adjacent to Surfers Avenue Steps.
• Visitors seeking to access the southern section of Narrawallee Beach without encountering dogs are encouraged to use the Surfers Avenue and Victor Avenue steps.

Feedback can be provided by completing the Online Survey available on this web page or by submitting detailed written submissions via:

• Email: council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au
• Post: PO Box 42, Nowa NSW 2541

Yes, all feedback received during the exhibition period will be carefully reviewed by Council officers and considered by Council before making a final decision on the proposed dog access arrangements.

After the exhibition period concludes, Council officers will review all feedback received and use it to inform a recommendation to Councillors. A report summarising the feedback and recommendations will be presented to the Council for consideration.

The final decision on the proposed dog access arrangements is expected to be made by the Council in July 2024, following the conclusion of the exhibition period and the review of feedback received.

During the exhibition period, interim arrangements will remain in effect to ensure the orderly management of dog access at Narrawallee Beach. Visitors are advised to adhere to these interim arrangements until a final decision is made by Council regarding the proposed permanent dog access arrangements.

A new Environmental Assessment (REF) confirms that the current off leash arrangement can remain in place.