FAQs
- Terminology used within the proposed Dogs Policy has been brought into line with terminology used in other relevant legislation (law) to avoid confusion.
- The list of off-leash and dog-prohibited sites has been removed and replaced with a set of provisions defining how Council will designate (process and determine) ‘off-leash’ and ‘dog-prohibited’ areas (ref. s3.7 & s3.8 of the draft policy).
- A list of off-leash and dog-prohibited sites will be maintained and made publicly available on Council’s website, guideline materials, and other channels.
- The proposed Dogs Policy will enable Council to manage issues that may arise in off-leash or dog-prohibited areas, such as: shorebird nesting; biodiversity loss; and social and cultural matters (such as Indigenous heritage or conflicts arising from high-use). This approach is known as ‘adaptive management and will allow Council to be responsive to changes in conditions as they arise.
Off-leash and dog-prohibited areas will be determined in accordance with the proposed Dogs Policy (including s3.8, which outlines what steps will be taken to facilitate public scrutiny and transparency).
The draft policy is designed to provide clarity to all stakeholders about outcomes Council is seeking to achieve under the policy. The policy statement and objectives have been carefully calibrated in accordance with relevant legislation (law).
A classification system has been established to clearly define three types of dog access areas in public places. The system is based on easily recognised conventions used in traffic lights (red, orange, and green).
Signage and guidelines will be developed using the ‘traffic light’ system; RED for dog-prohibited areas, ORANGE for dog on-leash areas, and GREEN for off-leash areas.
- Restricted breed dogs or dogs declared dangerous, or menacing are not permitted in off-leash areas.
- Person in charge of the dog must immediately remove the dog’s faeces and properly dispose of them.
- A dog must have a collar around its neck and there must be attached to the collar a name tag that shows the name of the dog and the address or telephone number of the owner of the dog.
- All prohibited, on and off-leash dog access areas are regularly patrolled by Ranger Services to ensure the regulations are enforced. On the spot penalties apply for non-compliance.
Dog prohibited areas – Dogs are not permitted within dog-prohibited areas at all times.
Dog on-leash areas – dogs are permitted, but must be on-leash at all times (or as designated).
Dog off-leash areas - dogs are allowed to be off-leash during certain hours but must be under control at all times. Check the signage at the site for the designated dog off-leash times.
What is the purpose of the draft policy?
It outlines how Council will designate dog off-leash and prohibited areas in the Shoalhaven.
It provides a framework for managing dog access to public places in the Shoalhaven.
The proposed changes are designed to provide clarity to all stakeholders that matters relating to dogs in public places in Shoalhaven are being managed in line with Council’s obligations under state and federal legislation.
It outlines how Council will incorporate the principles of adaptive management of each site. This is required to respond to changes in conditions as they arise in off-leash or dog prohibited areas, such as shorebird nesting, biodiversity loss, Indigenous heritage, or community conflicts arising from high-use.
Why is Council reviewing the current Policy?
Shoalhaven’s Access Areas for Dogs Policy is due for review and has been updated to enable Council to better manage dogs in public places in line with community expectations, environmental considerations, and relevant legislation.
The proposed draft Access Areas for Dogs Policy outlines how Council will designate where dogs can and cannot go in the Shoalhaven local government area, including where they are permitted to be off-leash in accordance with state and federal legal obligation requirements.
What are the changes to the current policy?
Changes to the policy include:
How is this policy going to be enforced?
All prohibited, on and off-leash dog access areas are regularly patrolled by Ranger Services to ensure the regulations are enforced. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
All existing dog access areas will be carried forward unchanged during the policy review period. The existing Access Areas for Dogs Policy will remain in force until a revised policy is adopted by the elected Council.
How do I report people doing the wrong thing?
Pet owners need to be aware that:
You can report an issue through Council’s Complaints About Animals web page or by calling Ranger Services on 1300 293 111.
What is the difference between the three dog access area types?
The three dog access area types are:
What are the new traffic light system classifications?
The draft policy incorporates a colour-coded classification system, based on an easily recognisable ‘traffic light’ approach – red, orange, green. This system clearly communicates the three types of dog access areas in public places. It will be used on all new signage to clearly identify dog access areas; red for dog-prohibited areas, orange for dog on-leash areas, and green for off-leash areas.
Are the shorebird nesting sites being protected?
Yes. The South Coast Shorebird Recovery Program was established in 1999 by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Council works closely with NPWS, other government agencies, shorebird support groups and landowners to protect the breeding activities of our endangered shorebirds.
Shorebird breeding grounds are a key factor when determining a dog access areas. if you have concerns about dogs near shorebird prohibited areas contact Council’s Ranger Services.
For more information, visit Council’s Shorebird Recovery web page.
Has the community been consulted previously on this policy review?
Yes. Feedback received from the 1,400 responses to community consultation undertaken in 2021 has been used to develop the draft policy.
How will this policy protect the environment?
For each dog area access a Review of Environment Factors (REF) is undertaken. A REF is the environmental assessment for a dog off-leash area and associated works, in line with requirements under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The assessment also relates to the impact of the proposal on the community and the environment in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.
It (the REF) provides general details of the off-leash area proposal, legislative context, and potential environmental impacts to satisfy the due diligence and legislative requirements of Council.
A REF identifies the environmental impact avoidance, minimisation and mitigation measures required to be implemented by Council in relation to the ongoing use of a dog off-leash exercise area.
Can the new policy adapt to change?
It provides for the adaptive management of each site, allowing Council to respond to changes in the conditions as they arise in off-leash or dog prohibited areas, such as shorebird nesting, biodiversity loss, Indigenous heritage or community conflicts arising from high use.
The proposed draft policy incorporates principles of adaptive management, which will allow Council to respond to changes in site conditions as they arise at dog access areas, such as shorebird nesting locations or recreational area conflicts arising from the potential intensification or higher use of the subject lands. The proposed policy clearly outlines processes that will be followed and a framework for decision making in these instances.
What happens after the draft policy is reviewed?
Following community consultation, a consolidated report summarising all feedback received, will be sent to Council, along with the revised draft policy for endorsement. Councillors may choose to endorse the revised policy as proposed (unchanged), or they may choose to adopt the policy with further revisions. Councillors may choose to seek further information from staff, or they may choose to defer the matter and provide further direction to staff.
Once the policy is finalised and adopted, Council will release updates to the public. These updates will outline what (if any) further amendments were made, how the results of community consultation were incorporated into the policy, and any associated actions arising.
Updates will be published to Council’s website and the Get Involved page for the policy review project.