Interim Dog Access Arrangements at Narrawallee Beach - From 6 November 2023
At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 6 November 2023, the elected Council adopted temporary dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach. These arrangements are now in force, by order of the General Manager (CEO), until further notice.
Council’s decision was made following a Land and Environment Court ruling, which deemed the prior dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach to be of no force and effect (Decision date: 21 July 2023). You can read the Court judgement here.
The southern part of Narrawallee Beach from the Matron Porter Drive beach access track to Surfers Avenue steps is dog-prohibited, with no on-leash transit permitted.
Access to the timed off-leash area is via the Matron Porter Drive Beach access track only.
The new dog off-leash and dog-prohibited zonings will be enforced from the 27 November 2023, allowing a grace period of 3 weeks from the date of Council’s decision. Enforcement activities will continue as normal for all dog-prohibited areas north of the off-leash area on Narrawallee Beach and at Narrawallee Inlet Reserve. To see a map showing Narrawallee Beach dog access areas, please see the Dog Off-Leash Guide.
Long-term dog access solutions for Narrawallee Beach
Council is taking the following steps to determine a permanent solution for dog access at Narrawallee Beach:
- An external, suitably qualified consultant has been engaged to prepare an updated environmental assessment, known as a Review of Environmental Factors (REF), for the off-leash area at Narrawallee Beach. The REF is being undertaken in line with Council’s obligations under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). This process will enable Council to adequately consider environmental and social factors in determining permanent dog off-leash and dog-prohibited areas.
- The REF will be placed on public exhibition, for information only, in accordance with 171 (4) of the EP&A Regulation and as a matter of public interest. It is anticipated that this will occur in January 2024.
- Council staff will notify and consult with the community affected by any proposed changes to dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach that arise due to the REF findings and other investigations.
- The results of the consultation activities, REF findings, recommendations, and any other relevant matters, will be referred to the elected Council for final determination.
- Anticipated timing for a report recommending final determination for Narrawallee Beach dog access areas is March 2024.
This process will allow nearby residents and other stakeholders to provide their input to Council’s final decision on dog access solutions at Narrawallee Beach.
We will continue to publish further updates to this page. You can subscribe to receive updates directly to your inbox by providing your email address in the ‘Stay Informed’ box in the top right corner of the screen.
