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.

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.

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.