Access Areas For Dogs Policy

Council is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Access Areas for Dogs Policy.

The existing policy needs to be updated to bring it into line with contemporary community expectations and the legal obligations under state and federal legislation.

Council has formed a working group to revise the draft policy.

The Council working group has undertaken a thorough evaluation of the existing policy, considered ways it can be improved, and looked at the policies of other councils across NSW.

The working group has also been preparing environmental assessments to exhibit environmental and social due diligence and to meet Council’s statutory obligations under state and federal legislation. The outcomes of these assessments will enable a better understanding of mitigation measures and conditions required at existing ‘dog off-leash’ areas, to accurately define the extent of ‘dog-prohibited’ areas across the Shoalhaven and to achieve an adequate balance between the utilisation of recreational areas and the protection of environmental values.

A draft policy document has been developed based on community consultation undertaken in 2021 and investigations undertaken by the working group.

The feedback provided will be reviewed and taken into consideration as Council work to develop a final version of the policy. The final version will then be referred to the elected Council, whereby Councillors will deliberate and vote on whether to adopt the policy.

Once adopted, the new policy will be used to inform how existing ‘dog off-leash’ and ‘dog-prohibited’ areas will be managed. It will also be used to determine future requests and/or recommendations for additional ‘dog off-leash’ or ‘dog-prohibited’ areas.

Background

Council recognises pets, including dogs, play an important role in many people’s lives.

We know many people across Shoalhaven care deeply about their dogs, and consider them valued members of their family. Dogs can help to alleviate loneliness and keep people active and healthy.

People regularly tell us they enjoy having access to areas where they can exercise their dogs off-leash on our stunning beaches.

We also know many people, especially the elderly and people living with disabilities, find it difficult to access beaches.

This is why we are working to identify and provide alternative areas for dog exercise, such as fenced ‘dog off-leash’ facilities. These types of facilities (also called “dog parks”) often include accessible parking, sealed pathways, seating, and shade. People will be able to choose between a range of dog off-leash exercise areas across Shoalhaven.

We understand the presence of dogs in public places can present a barrier to participation for some people, such as people living with animal phobias, people living with cognitive disabilities, and the neurodiverse community.

There are also many people who care very deeply about conserving the environmental values of our unique coastal environments. This is why it is important everyone is given the opportunity to review the proposed draft policy and to submit feedback.

Consultation

Further information about previous consultation activities and related decisions of the elected Council, is published in the News Feed below.

We will continue to publish updates here, so keep an eye out for new information in the News Feed on this page.

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