Council has released the draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) that outlines a proposal to expand dog access at Narrawallee Beach, which is now available for community feedback.
Council engaged external engagement specialists who undertook community consultation from 6 February to 8 March 2026, which included an online questionnaire, stakeholder and community engagement. The 1,046 survey responses and the in-person feedback identified a wide range of perspectives, including support for increased access, concerns about safety and compliance, and strong interest in protecting environmental and social values.
External environmental investigations, including noise and biodiversity assessments and site-based analysis, have now been completed by a consultant as well as community and stakeholder engagement activities to inform the recommendations presented within the draft REF.
Mayor Patricia White said the exhibition period allows the community to review the assessment and provide informed feedback.
"Council understands that dog access at Narrawallee Beach is an important issue for many in the community," Cr White said.
"At the same time, Council has a responsibility to consider a range of factors, including how the beach is used by the whole community, environmental impacts and public safety," she said.
"This process is about carefully considering the issues raised alongside the environmental assessment carried out by external specialists before making a final decision."
"We encourage people to review the draft REF and provide considered feedback on the specific recommendations, so Council can understand the community's feedback," she said.
The scope of the draft REF considered potential 24-hour off-leash access within the existing designated dog access area during the low season (1 May - 30 September each year) and potential on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue and Surfers Avenue stair access points.
The draft REF includes key recommendations:
- Low season off-leash access: The environmental assessment did not identify significant biodiversity impacts associated with extending off-leash access to a 24-hour arrangement within the existing designated dog access area during the low season, subject to the management measures identified within the draft REF.
- Victor Avenue access: The assessment supports on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue stair access point, extending north to the Matron Porter Drive access point.
- Surfers Avenue access: The assessment does not support dog access via the Surfers Avenue stair access point, having identified environmental constraints within this area.
- Southern extent of access: The assessment does not support on-leash dog access extending south of the Victor Avenue access toward the Surfers Avenue access area.
The draft REF concludes that the proposed changes are unlikely to result in significant environmental impacts, provided recommended mitigation measures are implemented, and that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.
Submissions received during the exhibition period will be reviewed and considered by Council alongside the draft REF before a final determination is made.
Council is encouraging community members to review the draft REF and provide feedback on the specific recommendations.
The draft REF and submission form are available on Council's Get Involved Shoalhaven website. Formal submissions are invited between Monday 11 May and midnight Sunday 31 May 2026 and will be accepted via the online form provided https://getinvolved.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/dogs
Background
In August 2025, Council resolved to undertake a new REF to assess specific alternative dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach.
Community and stakeholder engagement was undertaken in February and March 2026 through an online community questionnaire, stakeholder meetings and on-site community engagement.
Feedback from previous engagement was used to inform the draft REF.
