Dogs in the Public Domain - Investigations, Trials and Projects

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Narrawallee Beach Dog Access – new Review of Environmental Factors (REF)

In August 2025, Council resolved to undertake a new REF to assess specific alternative dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach. The scope of the draft REF considered the following changes:

  • Potential 24-hour off-leash access within the existing designated dog access area during the low season (1 May – 30 September each year).
  • Potential on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue and Surfers Avenue stair access points.

External environmental investigations, including noise and biodiversity assessments and site-based analysis, have now been completed as well as community and stakeholder engagement activities to inform the recommendations presented within the draft REF.

The draft REF is on public exhibition from Monday 11 May to midnight Sunday 31 May 2026. The exhibition process is intended to provide the community with an opportunity to review the draft findings and make a formal submission prior to Council consideration of the final REF.

Summary of findings

The draft REF concludes:

Low season off-leash dog access: The environmental assessment did not identify significant biodiversity impacts associated with extending off-leash access to a 24-hour arrangement within the existing designated dog access area during the low season, subject to the management measures identified within the draft REF.

Victor Avenue dog access: The assessment supports on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue stair access point, extending north to the Matron Porter Drive access point.

Surfers Avenue dog access: The assessment does not support dog access via the Surfers Avenue stair access point, having identified environmental constraints within this area.

Southern extent of dog access: The assessment does not support on-leash dog access extending south of the Victor Avenue access toward the Surfers Avenue access area.

How to make a submission

Community members are encouraged to review the draft REF and provide a formal submission.

  • Submissions are open from Monday 11 May to midnight Sunday 31 May 2026
  • Submissions must be made using the online submission form on this page. This is to ensure consistency and fairness when assessing feedback.
  • Only formal submissions received through the online form will be considered.

Your submission should focus on the recommendations and findings of the draft REF.

About the assessment

Narrawallee Beach is a highly valued community space with significant recreational use and areas of environmental sensitivity, including habitat for migratory and threatened shorebirds.

The technical environmental investigations have now been completed and they considered:

  • Environmental impacts, including potential disturbance to wildlife
  • Community safety and interactions between beach users
  • Accessibility and use of beach access points
  • Amenity impacts such as noise and congestion
  • Coastal processes and dune systems.

The assessment also recommends measures to manage impacts, including signage, defined access areas, and ongoing monitoring.

Community consultation

Council resolved in August 2025 to undertake a new REF and a fresh round of community and stakeholder engagement.

Community and stakeholder engagement was undertaken in February and March 2026 through an online community questionnaire, stakeholder meetings and on-site community engagement.

Feedback from the engagement phase was used to inform the draft REF.

Next steps

After the exhibition period has concluded:

  • All submissions will be reviewed and considered.
  • Key issues will be summarised for Council.
  • The draft REF along with the feedback will go to Council for consideration.

Elected Councillors will then make a final determination on dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach, taking into account:

  • The findings of the REF
  • Outcomes from community and stakeholder engagement
  • Relevant legislation and policy requirements
  • Environmental risks and possible mitigation measures
  • Impacts on public access and amenity
  • Safety, compliance and practical feasibility.

Links:

To view the 'Narrawallee Beach - Dog Access Map, please click here

To view the draft REF please click here

To make a submission, please click here.

Narrawallee Beach Dog Access – new Review of Environmental Factors (REF)

In August 2025, Council resolved to undertake a new REF to assess specific alternative dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach. The scope of the draft REF considered the following changes:

  • Potential 24-hour off-leash access within the existing designated dog access area during the low season (1 May – 30 September each year).
  • Potential on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue and Surfers Avenue stair access points.

External environmental investigations, including noise and biodiversity assessments and site-based analysis, have now been completed as well as community and stakeholder engagement activities to inform the recommendations presented within the draft REF.

The draft REF is on public exhibition from Monday 11 May to midnight Sunday 31 May 2026. The exhibition process is intended to provide the community with an opportunity to review the draft findings and make a formal submission prior to Council consideration of the final REF.

Summary of findings

The draft REF concludes:

Low season off-leash dog access: The environmental assessment did not identify significant biodiversity impacts associated with extending off-leash access to a 24-hour arrangement within the existing designated dog access area during the low season, subject to the management measures identified within the draft REF.

Victor Avenue dog access: The assessment supports on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue stair access point, extending north to the Matron Porter Drive access point.

Surfers Avenue dog access: The assessment does not support dog access via the Surfers Avenue stair access point, having identified environmental constraints within this area.

Southern extent of dog access: The assessment does not support on-leash dog access extending south of the Victor Avenue access toward the Surfers Avenue access area.

How to make a submission

Community members are encouraged to review the draft REF and provide a formal submission.

  • Submissions are open from Monday 11 May to midnight Sunday 31 May 2026
  • Submissions must be made using the online submission form on this page. This is to ensure consistency and fairness when assessing feedback.
  • Only formal submissions received through the online form will be considered.

Your submission should focus on the recommendations and findings of the draft REF.

About the assessment

Narrawallee Beach is a highly valued community space with significant recreational use and areas of environmental sensitivity, including habitat for migratory and threatened shorebirds.

The technical environmental investigations have now been completed and they considered:

  • Environmental impacts, including potential disturbance to wildlife
  • Community safety and interactions between beach users
  • Accessibility and use of beach access points
  • Amenity impacts such as noise and congestion
  • Coastal processes and dune systems.

The assessment also recommends measures to manage impacts, including signage, defined access areas, and ongoing monitoring.

Community consultation

Council resolved in August 2025 to undertake a new REF and a fresh round of community and stakeholder engagement.

Community and stakeholder engagement was undertaken in February and March 2026 through an online community questionnaire, stakeholder meetings and on-site community engagement.

Feedback from the engagement phase was used to inform the draft REF.

Next steps

After the exhibition period has concluded:

  • All submissions will be reviewed and considered.
  • Key issues will be summarised for Council.
  • The draft REF along with the feedback will go to Council for consideration.

Elected Councillors will then make a final determination on dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach, taking into account:

  • The findings of the REF
  • Outcomes from community and stakeholder engagement
  • Relevant legislation and policy requirements
  • Environmental risks and possible mitigation measures
  • Impacts on public access and amenity
  • Safety, compliance and practical feasibility.

Links:

To view the 'Narrawallee Beach - Dog Access Map, please click here

To view the draft REF please click here

To make a submission, please click here.

  • Public exhibition of proposed dog access arrangements and the draft REF

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    Council has released the draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) that outlines a balanced proposal to expand dog access at Narrawallee Beach, which is now available for community feedback.

    The draft REF is on public exhibition from Monday 11 May to midnight Sunday 31 May 2026, with the community invited to provide formal submissions.

    The environmental assessment which was carried out by external specialists, considers potential environmental, social and amenity impacts and includes recommendations to:

    • Allow 24-hour off-leash dog access during the low season (1 May – 30 September) within the existing designated dog access area
    • Permit on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue stairs
    • Continue to not allow dog access via Surfers Avenue stairs to protect sensitive habitat.

    The draft REF concludes the proposed changes are unlikely to result in significant environmental impacts, subject to mitigation measures.

    This is an assessment, not a final decision. Submissions received during the exhibition period will be considered before Council makes a determination.

    Have your say

    Community members can review the draft REF and make a formal submission via the online form on Council’s website.

    • Submissions close midnight Sunday 31 May 2026
    • Only submissions made through the online form will be accepted


    To view the 'Narrawallee Beach - Dog Access Map, please click here

    To view the draft REF please click here

    To make a submission, please click here.

    Council has released the draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) that outlines a balanced proposal to expand dog access at Narrawallee Beach, which is now available for community feedback.

    The draft REF is on public exhibition from Monday 11 May to midnight Sunday 31 May 2026, with the community invited to provide formal submissions.

    The environmental assessment which was carried out by external specialists, considers potential environmental, social and amenity impacts and includes recommendations to:

    • Allow 24-hour off-leash dog access during the low season (1 May – 30 September) within the existing designated dog access area
    • Permit on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue stairs
    • Continue to not allow dog access via Surfers Avenue stairs to protect sensitive habitat.

    The draft REF concludes the proposed changes are unlikely to result in significant environmental impacts, subject to mitigation measures.

    This is an assessment, not a final decision. Submissions received during the exhibition period will be considered before Council makes a determination.

    Have your say

    Community members can review the draft REF and make a formal submission via the online form on Council’s website.

    • Submissions close midnight Sunday 31 May 2026
    • Only submissions made through the online form will be accepted


    To view the 'Narrawallee Beach - Dog Access Map, please click here

    To view the draft REF please click here

    To make a submission, please click here.

  • Public exhibition of proposed dog access arrangements and the draft REF

    Share Public exhibition of proposed dog access arrangements and the draft REF on Facebook Share Public exhibition of proposed dog access arrangements and the draft REF on Twitter Share Public exhibition of proposed dog access arrangements and the draft REF on Linkedin Email Public exhibition of proposed dog access arrangements and the draft REF link

    Proposed dog access arrangements and the draft REF will be placed on public exhibition from:

    • Monday 11 May to midnight Sunday 31 May 2026.

    Information on how to make a submission will be provided during the public exhibition period.

    Submissions received during the exhibition period will be considered and included in the finalisation of the REF.

    Proposed dog access arrangements and the draft REF will be placed on public exhibition from:

    • Monday 11 May to midnight Sunday 31 May 2026.

    Information on how to make a submission will be provided during the public exhibition period.

    Submissions received during the exhibition period will be considered and included in the finalisation of the REF.

  • Project update: survey closed

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    Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Narrawallee Beach dog access questionnaire and share their views. The questionnaire has now closed and a report on the feedback provided is being prepared for council.

    This feedback will form one part of the information considered as part of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF). The REF will also consider technical studies, environmental assessments and relevant legislative requirements.

    Once the draft REF is prepared, it will be placed on public exhibition, providing a further opportunity for the community to review the assessment and provide feedback.

    Council acknowledges that views on the proposed changes to the existing dog access arrangements vary across the community. The REF process provides a structured and transparent way to consider these perspectives alongside environmental, social and regulatory factors before any decision is made.

    Further updates will be provided as the process progresses.

    Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Narrawallee Beach dog access questionnaire and share their views. The questionnaire has now closed and a report on the feedback provided is being prepared for council.

    This feedback will form one part of the information considered as part of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF). The REF will also consider technical studies, environmental assessments and relevant legislative requirements.

    Once the draft REF is prepared, it will be placed on public exhibition, providing a further opportunity for the community to review the assessment and provide feedback.

    Council acknowledges that views on the proposed changes to the existing dog access arrangements vary across the community. The REF process provides a structured and transparent way to consider these perspectives alongside environmental, social and regulatory factors before any decision is made.

    Further updates will be provided as the process progresses.

  • Narrawallee Beach: We want to hear from you

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    Shoalhaven City Council is preparing a new Review of Environmental Factors (REF) to assess potential adjustments to dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach.

    Because the REF must consider environmental, social, amenity, safety and recreational factors, we’re asking the community to tell us what they value most about how the beach is used.

    Online Community questionnaire – now open

    We’re inviting the community to share their values and priorities through a short online questionnaire.

    Take part by clicking here:

    Community questionnaire - dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach

    The questionnaire is open until 8 March 2026. Your input will help inform the assessment currently being developed.

    Upcoming engagement opportunities

    • February – March 2026: Stakeholder meetings and on-site community engagement
    • March – April 2026: Public exhibition of the draft REF (formal submissions invited)

    A final decision will be made by Councillors in April 2026 after considering the REF findings, community feedback, and statutory requirements.

    Shoalhaven City Council is preparing a new Review of Environmental Factors (REF) to assess potential adjustments to dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach.

    Because the REF must consider environmental, social, amenity, safety and recreational factors, we’re asking the community to tell us what they value most about how the beach is used.

    Online Community questionnaire – now open

    We’re inviting the community to share their values and priorities through a short online questionnaire.

    Take part by clicking here:

    Community questionnaire - dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach

    The questionnaire is open until 8 March 2026. Your input will help inform the assessment currently being developed.

    Upcoming engagement opportunities

    • February – March 2026: Stakeholder meetings and on-site community engagement
    • March – April 2026: Public exhibition of the draft REF (formal submissions invited)

    A final decision will be made by Councillors in April 2026 after considering the REF findings, community feedback, and statutory requirements.

  • Narrawallee Beach Dog Access: Update on Resolution of Council (12 August 2025)

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    7 Nov 2025

    We’re currently working to engage suitably qualified and experienced consultants to prepare a new Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and conduct community engagement, in accordance with MIN25.394.

    Further updates will be published to this page in the coming weeks.

    7 Nov 2025

    We’re currently working to engage suitably qualified and experienced consultants to prepare a new Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and conduct community engagement, in accordance with MIN25.394.

    Further updates will be published to this page in the coming weeks.

  • Narrawallee Beach Dog Access: Resolution of Council

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    Staff are working through the process of engaging consultants to conduct a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the site and conduct community engagement, as per the resolution of Council on 12 August 2025.

    This process involves developing the tender documents, advertising for industry experts, procurement and appointment, which is anticipated to be completed in early 2026.

    Once appointed, the consultants will lead the research necessary to produce the REF and conduct community engagement activities.

    We will update this page with project details as soon as they’re available.

    Staff are working through the process of engaging consultants to conduct a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the site and conduct community engagement, as per the resolution of Council on 12 August 2025.

    This process involves developing the tender documents, advertising for industry experts, procurement and appointment, which is anticipated to be completed in early 2026.

    Once appointed, the consultants will lead the research necessary to produce the REF and conduct community engagement activities.

    We will update this page with project details as soon as they’re available.

Page last updated: 12 May 2026, 09:27 AM