Policy Review March Update

Council staff undertook an initial review of the Access Areas for Dogs Policy and Dog Off-Leash Guide, which has led to a draft Issues Paper and identification of key issues and inconsistencies for consideration in the development of the Policy Review. In response to frequent community confusion over dog signage, a signage audit of all Council’s dog off-leash and dog prohibited areas has been completed and will be reviewed to ensure the erection of new signage at the conclusion of the Policy Review is clear and consistent.

Council opened expressions of interest (EOI) to community members for the Community Working Group for the Access Areas for Dogs Policy and Dog Off-Leash Guide review in December 2020. The expressions of interest submission period closed on Sunday 17 January 2021. Council is pleased with the responses received from the community for inclusion as representatives in the Community Working Group. Over 120 submissions were received from a range of demographics reflecting the make-up of the Shoalhaven community. This indicates a high level of interest and engagement from the community in playing a key role in the Policy Review.

Given this level of interest, Council has amended its initial approach to forming the Community Working Group, to now include all those who submitted an EOI to join the committee. Diverse community representation and feedback is extremely important for the success of the review and will contribute to thorough and rigorous community consultation that will inform the Policy Review.

As such, Council is in the process of engaging an external facilitation specialist to provide independent professional services to support Council staff throughout the Community Engagement process on the Policy Review. The external consultant will be engaged in the coming weeks.