Dogs in the Public Domain - Investigations, Trials and Projects
Dogs in the Public Domain
Welcome to Shoalhaven City Council's hub for investigations, trials and projects related to dog access areas.
This page is where you can stay up to date with proposed and approved changes to dog access arrangements across the Shoalhaven, including community engagement opportunities, project updates, new dog-friendly spaces and changes to existing access areas.
Seasonal off-leash hours apply at some locations from October, and increased visitation means it's more important than ever for residents and visitors to understand where dogs can be exercised safely and responsibly.
Before heading out, check Council's Dog Access Guide and Pets and Animals webpage to learn about off-leash areas, on-leash requirements, prohibited locations and responsible dog ownership.
Please register to this page and check back regularly for updates on dog access projects, emerging opportunities and changes to dog off-leash areas across the Shoalhaven.
Dogs in the Public Domain
Welcome to Shoalhaven City Council's hub for investigations, trials and projects related to dog access areas.
This page is where you can stay up to date with proposed and approved changes to dog access arrangements across the Shoalhaven, including community engagement opportunities, project updates, new dog-friendly spaces and changes to existing access areas.
Seasonal off-leash hours apply at some locations from October, and increased visitation means it's more important than ever for residents and visitors to understand where dogs can be exercised safely and responsibly.
Before heading out, check Council's Dog Access Guide and Pets and Animals webpage to learn about off-leash areas, on-leash requirements, prohibited locations and responsible dog ownership.
Please register to this page and check back regularly for updates on dog access projects, emerging opportunities and changes to dog off-leash areas across the Shoalhaven.
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CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

Thank you for taking the time to review the draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF).
Council is seeking feedback on the recommendations of the draft REF, which has been prepared to assess the potential environmental and community impacts of proposed changes to dog access at Narrawallee Beach.
As this is a formal environmental assessment process under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, submissions are used to inform Council’s consideration of environmental impacts and management measures, rather than to determine a majority view.
How to provide your feedback
This form has been structured to allow you to:
- Consider each REF recommendation individually.
- Indicate your position.
- Provide reasons to support your views.
Submissions that clearly explain potential impacts, risks, or improvements are the most useful in informing Council’s decision-making.
How submissions will be used
All submissions will be reviewed and considered as part of Council’s determination process.
- Submissions will be analysed based on the issues raised, not simply the number of responses.
- Duplicate or substantially similar submissions may be grouped for reporting purposes.
- Submissions may be summarised in Council reports, with personal details managed in accordance with privacy requirements.
Submissions close midnight Sunday 31 May 2026.
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CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

Shoalhaven City Council is undertaking a new Review of Environmental Factors (REF) to assess potential adjustments to the current dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach.
This questionnaire focuses on how the community uses the beach, and what people value.
This questionnaire will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
Please see Council’s Privacy Policy for more information about how we use, store and dispose of your survey responses and other data.
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Survey now closed, thank you for your contributions. Please register to the project page for further updates by clicking the link below.

Survey has now closed. Thank you for your contributions.
We encourage you to register to the 'Dogs in the Public Domain - Investigations, Trials & Projects' project page for further updates. Register by clicking here.
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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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Narrawallee Beach
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Becscomm - Communication and Engagement Report 2026 (1.49 MB) (pdf)
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Bill Andriske Oval Mollymook - REF - Final Review of Environmental Factors - August 2023
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Historical FAQs - Narrawallee Beach Dogs Access (172 KB) (pdf)
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Huskisson Beach - REF - Final Review of Environmental Factors Dog Off-leash Access - June 2023
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Narrawallee Beach Dog Access – Project Timeline (191 KB) (pdf)
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Narrawallee Beach Dog Access Area - Review of Environmental Factors (REF) (25.5 MB) (pdf)
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Narrawallee Beach - REF - Review of Environmental Factors - May 2024
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Nelsons Beach Vincentia - REF - Final Review of Environmental Factors - August 2023
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Other Project Documents
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Dog Off-Leash Guide - July 2026 (6.23 MB) (pdf)
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All Shoalhaven - FAQ - Pre 2025 Review of Environmental Factors Frequently Asked Questions - 2019 to 2024 (239 KB) (pdf)
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All Shoalhaven - List - Existing off-leash and prohibited areas - December 2023
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All Shoalhaven - Newsfeed Posts - Dogs in the Public Domain Newsfeed Posts Pre-2025 - 2019 to 2024 (461 KB) (pdf)
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All Shoalhaven - Policy - Access Areas for Dogs Policy - December 2023
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Phone 1300 293 111 Email council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au