Dogs in the Public Domain - Investigations, Trials and Projects
Shoalhaven City Council resolved to consult with the community in relation to additional off-leash dog areas on a case-by-case basis.
This page provides updates on the various investigations, trials and projects that are being delivered to enhance the experience of dogs in the public domain.
The Access Areas for Dogs Policy is Council’s guiding document in relation to dogs in the public domain. The Policy provides conduct guidelines and defines off-leash, on-leash and prohibited dogs areas for land and assets within the ownership, management, care and control of Council.
Stay Informed
Subscribe via the 'Stay Informed' function on this page to receive updates and follow the progress of the Dogs in the Public Domain project.
Shoalhaven City Council resolved to consult with the community in relation to additional off-leash dog areas on a case-by-case basis.
This page provides updates on the various investigations, trials and projects that are being delivered to enhance the experience of dogs in the public domain.
The Access Areas for Dogs Policy is Council’s guiding document in relation to dogs in the public domain. The Policy provides conduct guidelines and defines off-leash, on-leash and prohibited dogs areas for land and assets within the ownership, management, care and control of Council.
Stay Informed
Subscribe via the 'Stay Informed' function on this page to receive updates and follow the progress of the Dogs in the Public Domain project.
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CLOSED: This survey has concluded.
Council would like your feedback on a new dog fenced off-leash area (FOLA) at Culburra Park.
Council would like your feedback on a potential new dog fenced off-leash area (FOLA) at Culburra Park.
Please complete the online survey below by 5pm, Monday 1 August 2022.
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CLOSED: This survey has concluded.
Council would like your feedback on a new dog fenced off-leash area (FOLA) at Burrill Lake Lions Park.
Consultation on the Burrill Lake FOLA is to determine support for the identified location for delivery.
Your feedback is required to gauge community support for the dog FOLA.
Please complete the online survey below by 5pm, Monday, 1 August 2022.
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Thank you for your input. This survey is now closed.
Thank you for your input. This survey is now closed.
Interested dog owners in the Dolphin Point and Burrill Lake area recently petitioned Council to establish a new dog off leash area in the locality. In response, in August this year Council resolved (MIN20.531 See full details below) to investigate the suitability of all locations across Dolphin Point and Burrill Lake for fenced dog off-leash areas and to do that by consulting with petition organisers, Ulladulla Forum, land owners, Paws4Shoalhaven and broader community members and groups to seek feedback on preferred locations for fenced dog off leash areas. Council also resolved to allow everyone the opportunity to suggest locations between Ulladulla Harbour and Cormorant beach for consideration by Council.
MIN20.531
That Council:
1. Accept the report for information.
2. Council undertake further investigations into the suitability of all locations across Dolphin Point and Burrill Lake for fenced dog off leash areas.
3. Consult with petition organisers, Ulladulla Forum, land owners, Paws4Shoalhaven and broader community members and groups to seek feedback on locations for fenced dog off leash areas. As part of the consultation with all groups allow the opportunity to suggest locations between Ulladulla Harbour and Cormorant beach for consideration for dog off leash areas.
4. Following consultation and investigations prepare a report back to Council.
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Thank you for your input. This survey is now closed.
Council staff have engaged with the Shoalhaven Heads Community Forum to review the off-leash Dog areas in the Shoalhaven Heads. This will include the extension of current off leash areas, proposal for new hours of off leash areas and for new fenced areas. To complement the review, a survey has been created to attain a baseline of information about dog ownership and subsequent utilisation of open space at Shoalhaven Heads.
Survey opens 31 July, survey closes 31 August.
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Thank you for your input. This quick poll is now closed.
At the Strategy and Assets meeting on Tuesday 9 June, a petition that was signed by 1,102 persons was presented in relation to a new timed dog off-leash area at Dolphin Point. The request is for the area to the east of Burrill Lake Lions Park, south past the tourist park to the inlet at Dolphin Point Reserve. The map below shows a general area proposed. The times proposed are 3.00pm to 10.00am during winter months and 4.00pm to 10.00am during summer months.
We would like to know if you agree with this proposal.
Thank you for your input. This Quick Poll closed on Friday 3 July 2020.
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CLOSED: Expression of Interests for the Community Reference Group have closed.
Shoalhaven City Council is commencing a comprehensive review of the Access Areas for Dogs Policy and the associated Guidelines. These documents provide important information on the location and use requirements of the off-leash dog areas in Shoalhaven.
Council is seeking a panel of interested community members who will play a vital role in the review of the Policy and Guidelines.
The group will work with Council staff and consultants and provide meaningful input and feedback on the operation and suitability of existing dog areas and signage, the potential for new dog areas, and more.
If you are interested in being involved in a unique opportunity to make our public spaces safe and friendly for all, and are able to dedicate your time to attend workshops that are facilitated by consultants, this opportunity is for you.
Expressions of Interest must be received by 12pm, 15 March 2019.
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CLOSED: This survey has concluded.
Shoalhaven City Council is seeking public comment on proposed permanent dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach, which will be on exhibition from 6 May to 2 June 2024.
Interested residents and property owners are invited to comment on the proposed permanent dog access arrangements by completing a short survey. Any comments received will be provided to councillors prior to a final decision on the matter.
The findings of a new environmental assessment, called a Review of Environmental Factors (REF), confirm the dog off-leash exercise area can remain in place on a permanent basis.
Community feedback received during the exhibition period, along with the environmental assessment, will be included in a report on permanent dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach which is expected to be considered by the Council at a meeting in July 2024.
Interim dog access arrangements will remain in place during the exhibition period and until a final decision is made by Council.
Please complete the online survey below by Sunday, 2 June 2024.
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Document Library
- Map - Proposed Permanent Arrangement - Narrawallee Beach - May 2024.PDF (206 KB) (PDF)
- Review of Environmental Factors - REF - Narrawallee Beach - May 2024.PDF
- Narrawallee Beach - Map - Interim Dog Access Arrangements
- Dog off Leash Guide - Maps - All Areas
- Final Review of Environmental Factors - Huskisson Beach
- Final - Review of Environmental Factors - Nelsons Beach, Vincentia
- Final - Review of Environmental Factors - Bill Andriske Mollymook Oval
- Access Areas for Dogs Policy
- Attachment 4 - List of existing off-leash and prohibited areas
Narrawallee information session 18 June
FAQs - Narrawallee Beach Dogs Access
- Can Council confirm dogs are allowed off-leash on Culburra Beach from 4-5pm in summer time sharing the beach with Surf Life Saving patrols the same weeks as Narrawallee.
- Proposed mitigation measures are Councils interpretation, not the external environmental assessment of risks. Please clearly explain why dogs on leash are an environmental risk on the southern end of the beach.
- The tracks through Matron Porter Reserve are rough, muddy, with many tree roots. How does this help our elderly community residents get social, physical, mental health stimulation activities with their dogs?
- If the survey was to measure support, why didn't the survey ask directly 'are you in favour of dog access from Surfers Avenue and Victor Avenue' ?
- Who in Council observed the endangered birds on the southern rocky platform? What qualifications do they have to accurately identify birds?
- Why did the REF only report the negative impacts of dogs on beach, not positive, in relation to social impact?
- Why is on leash dog access considered more impactful than human recreation (all day) access?
- How much has this cost ratepayers since the land and Enviroment court ruling?
- Why is Council increasing the risk to dog walkers accessing Narrawallee Beach ie. dark, trip hazards, tick infested and narrow road etc.
- How can on leash dogs cause any environmental damage to migratory birds? They are under effective control. Why aren’t all people banned?
- What problem are you trying to solve?
- The buffer zone is 600 metres from Barclauy Street. This is far more than Huskisson; under 200 metres. This needs to be explained.
- Please explain the alleged environmental impacts by walking a dog on leash from Surfers Avenue to off-leash. it can't be more than human interaction with the environment.
- Why is a person's safety not a bigger factor? The MP reserve track is unsafe and pitch black in parts in winter. As a female who uses the beach every day why is my safety less important than those who don't own a dog?
- Can you please explain why the reserve located west of the boat ramp (near IA1) has been changed to Prohibited? This is a mowed reserve and certainly not a natural area.
- The REF doesnt preclude dogs at the Victor Avenue stairs so why does the current recommendation not make way to reinstate these, particularly as these were widened by great ratepayer expense?
- Is Council considering the option of increased hours for dogs off-leash?
- The question in the survey that states 'does not support the current arrangements' - does not represent the true question. If you want current restrictions removed, how do you take into consideration that those that are not happy with the restrictions?
- Council voted, 6 Nov 2023 to update the REF but the REF currently being considered is a New document. Why was this changed?
- Why is the risk to community connectedness not included in social impact?
- Can we please see the Scope of Works and Briefing Document provided to the REF writer? We don't need to see the costs.
- Was any consideration given to the damage caused to local businesses by the sudden banning of access down Victor & Surfers Avenues; especially to my company Walking On Water? No consultation with us has ever taken place.
- Why did Council choose to remove Victor Avenue stairs as access to walkers after the last court findings, when the judge found Council negligent in administration only?
- Why were the Victor Avenue steps widened, following concern about mixed access by people and dogs, only then to be made off limits to dog owners?
- What alternatives are Council reviewing as to how the transit area at Surfers and Victor Avenues Vs a segregated "buffer" zone?
- Why did the REF for the new Narrawallee viewing platform not identify or find any migratory birds? It's the closest change of use in the identified area.
- Why didn't the survey ask any questions regarding the actual issue at hand - access to Narrawallee Beach?
- My understanding is section 14 of the Companion Animals Act legislates dogs be prohibited in children's play areas was a main contributor to the decision to remove access to the southern end of the beach. Is that correct?
- Why didn't the REF that was published on Council's website contain anything about the Victor Avenue stair issues?
- When will we know what the recommendation will be to the Council after the survey responses?
- Why is this engagement activity being conducted?
- What are the proposed permanent arrangements to dog access at Narrawallee Beach?
- How can I provide feedback?
- Will my feedback be considered in the final decision-making process?
- What happens after the exhibition period?
- When will the final decision be made?
- What interim arrangements will be in place while the exhibition period is underway?
- What are the proposed changes to the dog access at Narrawallee Beach?
Who's Listening
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Open Space & Recreation Planning team
Shoalhaven City Council
Phone 1300 293 111 Email council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au