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Project Update
Council considered a report at its meeting of 12 December 2023, which recommended the establishment of a dog off-leash beach area at part of Shellharbour North Beach. This option was not supported by Council. Instead, Council resolved to investigate the potential of an off-leash dog beach location at the black sand beaches within Shallows Reserve. Planning investigations and environmental assessments will now focus on Shallows Reserve.
Providing specific areas where people can exercise their dogs can provide a number of social benefits such as, encouraging socialisation between dog owners, providing an area for exercise for both owners and their dogs and certainty to the community at large in terms of nominating dog areas. However, providing a balance for all beach users, dog owners and non-dog owners is a critical consideration. As with any public area where dogs are allowed, it is important to have effective regulation and management of the beach area for the safety of the community and the environment.
FAQs
We are responsible for providing parks and beaches to our residents that incorporate as many different uses as possible and to maximize the potential use of any one open space.
The Companion Animals Act 1998 (the Act) legislates requirements for both dog owners and local Councils in managing the presence of dogs in public places. Our Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy aims to guide the provision, improvement and management of dog friendly spaces within Shellharbour Local Government Area (LGA).
At its meeting of 12 December 2023, Council resolved not to support the establishment of a dog off-leash beach area at Shellharbour North Beach.
We are instead investigating the potential of Shallows Reserve as an off-leash beach location, subject to the relevant planning and environmental approvals.
Dogs are currently allowed off-leash on the grassed area at a section of Shallows Reserve along Bass Point Tourist Road, between the Shallows Coastal Reserve and the gravel loader.
Council will investigate the potential of extending this access to the black sand beach area of Shallows Reserve, making it an off-leash dog friendly beach.
A REF is an environmental assessment used to determine whether an activity should be approved by considering all matters that affect the environment. It measures:
- ecological impacts
- social impacts and conflicting community uses of the area
- heritage impacts
- potential for contamination of land & water
- noise & vibration
- visual & amenity impacts
- traffic & transport
- as well as any other project-specific requirements.
When we create REFs we use this template which helps us to consider all the important environmental elements the change in activity will affect and how to manage the change.
This environmental assessment is prepared in accordance with Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).
Beaches are a community space, so community concerns and feedback make up a major part of the project.
We sought community feedback in 2021, and again in 2022. Take a look at what we heard.
We'll keep you up to date on any future community consultation.
As detailed investigations are still underway, dogs currently remain prohibited on Shellharbour beaches.
Other dog friendly areas are available for you and your dog to visit in the meantime, visit Council’s website to see the dog friendly spaces network.
Previously Considered Locations
| Location name: | Location details: | Location image | Outcome: |
| Shellharbour North Beach | This location is between the patrolled sections of North Beach, Shellharbour. Blacks Beach to the North, Shellharbour North Beach to the South.
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| At its meeting of 12 December 2023, Council resolved not to support the establishment of a dog off-leash area at Shellharbour North Beach. The meeting and meeting minutes can be viewed on Council's website. |
| Kiyong Beach | This location is positioned at the Eastern end of Reddall Reserve, just North of Warilla Beach.
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| Kiyong Beach was deemed not suitable as a dog friendly beach during the REF process, due to prominent habitat for threatened bird species, proximity to road and public recreation spaces. |
2022 Consultation
2021 Consultation
Check out what we heard from this feedback!
We know that the community has strong and conflicting views when it comes to allowing dogs on beaches, therefore, consultation with the public in regards to considering dog areas on beaches is paramount to any decision making.
Thank you for your feedback. Engagement for potential beach areas for dogs closed on Sunday 17 October 2021.
