Dogs in the Public Domain - Investigations, Trials and Projects

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Narrawallee Beach Dog Access – New Review of Environmental Factors (REF)

Shoalhaven City Council has resolved to undertake a new Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and a fresh round of community engagement following a Council decision in August 2025.

The new REF will assess potential adjustments to the current dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach, including:

  • 24-hour off-leash access in the central section of the beach during the low season (1 May–1 October each year)
  • Additional on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue and Surfers Avenue stairs.

These options were not assessed in the 2024 REF. Under NSW legislation, any new or altered proposal must be supported by an updated environmental assessment.

Council has engaged external specialists to ensure the process is impartial and transparent. Becscomm will lead the community engagement program, and Biosis will prepare the new REF.

The updated environmental assessment will help Elected Councillors make an informed decision that balances:

  • Environmental protection
  • Community safety and access
  • Amenity for all beach users
  • Recreational needs for dog owners
  • Relevant state legislation and local policy.

What is happening?

Narrawallee Beach is a highly valued community space with significant recreational use and areas of environmental sensitivity, including habitat for migratory and threatened shorebirds.

A new REF is required to understand the environmental, social and recreational impacts of the proposed adjustments. This includes assessing:

  • Potential impacts of extended or 24-hour off-leash activity
  • The suitability of stair access points
  • Safety and accessibility considerations for all users
  • Risks of disturbance to sensitive shorebird habitat
  • Beach use patterns and community amenity
  • Likely effects on dune systems and coastal processes.

This assessment will identify any risks and recommend mitigation measures where needed.

How can the community have their say?

Council has engaged external specialists to prepare the REF and deliver the engagement program. The community will have three opportunities to participate:

  1. Online questionnaire – February 2026
    A short survey to capture lived experience and community priorities.
  2. Stakeholder and community engagement sessions – February to March 2026
    Meetings with key groups, along with in-person community information sessions.
  3. Public exhibition of the draft REF – March to April 2026
    The draft REF will be available for review, and formal submissions can be made during this period.

All feedback will be summarised in an Engagement Outcomes Report and provided to Council.

How will the final decision be made?

Once the new REF is complete, Elected Councillors will determine whether to retain or adjust dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach.

Before making a decision, Councillors will consider:

  • The findings of the final REF
  • Outcomes from community and stakeholder engagement
  • Relevant legislation and policy requirements
  • Environmental risks and possible mitigation measures
  • Impacts on public access and amenity
  • Safety, compliance and practical feasibility.

This process ensures the final decision is informed, transparent and evidence-based.

Narrawallee Beach Dog Access – New Review of Environmental Factors (REF)

Shoalhaven City Council has resolved to undertake a new Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and a fresh round of community engagement following a Council decision in August 2025.

The new REF will assess potential adjustments to the current dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach, including:

  • 24-hour off-leash access in the central section of the beach during the low season (1 May–1 October each year)
  • Additional on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue and Surfers Avenue stairs.

These options were not assessed in the 2024 REF. Under NSW legislation, any new or altered proposal must be supported by an updated environmental assessment.

Council has engaged external specialists to ensure the process is impartial and transparent. Becscomm will lead the community engagement program, and Biosis will prepare the new REF.

The updated environmental assessment will help Elected Councillors make an informed decision that balances:

  • Environmental protection
  • Community safety and access
  • Amenity for all beach users
  • Recreational needs for dog owners
  • Relevant state legislation and local policy.

What is happening?

Narrawallee Beach is a highly valued community space with significant recreational use and areas of environmental sensitivity, including habitat for migratory and threatened shorebirds.

A new REF is required to understand the environmental, social and recreational impacts of the proposed adjustments. This includes assessing:

  • Potential impacts of extended or 24-hour off-leash activity
  • The suitability of stair access points
  • Safety and accessibility considerations for all users
  • Risks of disturbance to sensitive shorebird habitat
  • Beach use patterns and community amenity
  • Likely effects on dune systems and coastal processes.

This assessment will identify any risks and recommend mitigation measures where needed.

How can the community have their say?

Council has engaged external specialists to prepare the REF and deliver the engagement program. The community will have three opportunities to participate:

  1. Online questionnaire – February 2026
    A short survey to capture lived experience and community priorities.
  2. Stakeholder and community engagement sessions – February to March 2026
    Meetings with key groups, along with in-person community information sessions.
  3. Public exhibition of the draft REF – March to April 2026
    The draft REF will be available for review, and formal submissions can be made during this period.

All feedback will be summarised in an Engagement Outcomes Report and provided to Council.

How will the final decision be made?

Once the new REF is complete, Elected Councillors will determine whether to retain or adjust dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach.

Before making a decision, Councillors will consider:

  • The findings of the final REF
  • Outcomes from community and stakeholder engagement
  • Relevant legislation and policy requirements
  • Environmental risks and possible mitigation measures
  • Impacts on public access and amenity
  • Safety, compliance and practical feasibility.

This process ensures the final decision is informed, transparent and evidence-based.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Culburra Park Survey

    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.

    Burrill Lake Lions Park Survey

    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.

    Proposed Fenced Dog Off-Leash Park, Dolphin Point/Burrill Lake

    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.

    Review Dog Off-leash Areas at Shoalhaven Heads

    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.

    New Dogs Off-leash at Dolphin Point

    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.

    Expression of Interest for Community Reference Group

    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.

    Narrawallee Beach Dog Access

    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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Page last updated: 04 Feb 2026, 04:48 PM