Dog lovers in Berry have even more room to play, with Council opening a new off-leash dog exercise area at Rotary Dog Park, Boongaree on 14 November.

The new fenced off-leash area complements the existing off-leash space at Camp Quality Park, providing two 24-hour dog exercise areas for local residents and visitors to enjoy. Rotary Dog Park offers a secure fenced environment for dogs to run and socialise, while Camp Quality Park remains available as an unfenced off-leash option.

The addition enhances recreation opportunities for dog owners and their furry companions and reflects Council's commitment to providing accessible, dog-friendly open spaces across the Shoalhaven.

For information on dog exercise areas across the Shoalhaven, download the Dog Off Leash Guide by clicking here.

Dog owners visiting Bendalong are reminded that a section of Monument Beach is temporarily dog-free during the shorebird breeding season to help protect a breeding pair of critically endangered Hooded Dotterels.

The temporary restriction applies to the southern section of Monument Beach until March 2027 and was introduced following advice from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which confirmed the presence of the breeding pair.

Affectionately known as "hoodies", Hooded Dotterels are critically endangered in NSW, with fewer than 70 birds remaining in the state. Protecting nesting and breeding habitat is particularly important during this vulnerable time.

Signage outlining the temporary arrangements has been installed at the Monument Beach car park. The restriction complements existing dog-prohibited areas at nearby Flat Rock Beach and adjoining National Park land, helping to provide a continuous area of protected habitat for nesting shorebirds.

Dog owners still have a range of alternative places to exercise their dogs in and around Bendalong, including designated areas at Washerwomans Beach, Dee Beach and Boat Harbour Beach. Please check local signage and Council's Dog Access Guide before setting out, as on-leash, off-leash and prohibited arrangements vary between locations.

Please keep dogs away from sick or dead birds

The importance of keeping dogs away from shorebirds and other wildlife is heightened by recent detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in the Shoalhaven.

If you're out with your dog, please:

• keep your dog away from sick, injured or dead birds
• do not touch or move sick or dead wildlife
• follow all dog-prohibited and on-leash requirements
• keep your dog under effective control around wildlife and sensitive habitat.

Suspected cases of avian influenza can be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or through the NSW Government's online reporting form.

By respecting temporary restrictions and keeping dogs away from wildlife, we can all help give our threatened shorebirds the best possible chance to breed successfully while continuing to enjoy the many dog-friendly areas available across the Shoalhaven.

1 October 2026 - 30 April 2027

With daylight saving now underway and the warmer months approaching, dog owners are reminded that seasonal and timed dog access arrangements apply at some locations across the Shoalhaven.

Seasonal beach access arrangements apply during the warmer months to help balance recreation and increased beach use, while managing interactions with dogs and protecting vulnerable wildlife during the shorebird breeding season.

Before heading out with your dog, please check Council's Dog Off-Leash Guide to make sure you know when and where dogs can be exercised off-leash and where dogs are prohibited.

Narrawallee Beach, Monday 5 October – 30 April 2027

The designated middle section has changed from 24-hour off-leash access during the low season to timed off-leash access. Please check signage at entry ways.

Monument Beach until March 2027

Monument Beach at Bendalong is dog-free during the shorebird breeding season to protect nesting habitat for critically endangered Hooded Dotterels.

Plan ahead

With more residents and visitors enjoying our beaches during the warmer months, please:

• check the signage at beach access points
• check the Dog Off-Leash Guide before setting out
• observe seasonal and timed access arrangements
• keep dogs under control
• keep dogs away from shorebirds and other wildlife.

A little planning before you head out will help everyone safely share and enjoy our beaches.

Following the detection of a third case of H5 bird flu in the Shoalhaven, Council is urging residents and visitors to stay vigilant and avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife.

Interactions between our pets and birds may help H5 bird flu spread and you can take these simple steps to help your dog and our native wildlife safe:

• Keep dogs on a leash in wildlife areas. Native animals can be sensitive and easily disturbed. Keeping dogs on a leash helps reduce stress on wildlife and lowers the risk of disease spreading between animals.
• Don’t leave pet food or water where wild birds or animals can access it. This helps limit unnecessary interactions that could spread disease.
• Always wash your hands well with soap and water before and after handling birds or other animals. This helps protect you and reduces the chance of spreading germs.

If you find sick or dead birds or wildlife including marine species:

1. Avoid contact.

2. Record what you see and the location.

3. Report it immediately.

Complete the online reporting form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.

For the latest information and any further updates on H5 bird flu in the Shoalhaven, please check back regularly or visit Council’s H5 bird flu webpage.

The proposed changes to dog access at Narrawallee Beach will be considered by Councillors at the Ordinary Meeting on Monday 29 June.

A report outlining the findings of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and community consultation is now publicly available as part of the Council business papers. You can view the report here.

Community members wishing to address Council can register to make a deputation via this link. The request form must be submitted no later than 9.30am on Monday 29 June.

The meeting can be watched online via Council’s website or attended in person from 5.30pm at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, 42 Bridge Road, Nowra.

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.

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.

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.

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.