Changes to dog access at Narrawallee Beach will roll out from Monday 13 July following a new environmental review.
At the Ordinary Meeting, Council voted in support of the updated arrangements introducing two key changes which include 24-hour dog off-leash access to the middle portion of Narrawallee Beach during the low season, and on-leash access via the Victor Avenue stairs. Dog access via Surfers Avenue will continue to be prohibited.
Mayor Patricia White said the new environmental review and the community consultation components were both carried out by external consultants to help ensure an independent process.
"This is a good outcome for the local community and supports people to enjoy the beach alongside their dogs, while still protecting the area's environmental values," Cr White said.
"Finding a solution that suits everyone has been an ongoing challenge and I think this comprehensive process has delivered a fair and considered outcome," she said.
"Narrawallee is highly valued as an important recreational space, and this latest approach has been shaped by community input while also prioritising environmental protection."
The proposed arrangements were placed on public exhibition alongside a new Review of Environmental Factors (REF) from 11 May to 31 May.
Under the new arrangements, the following new rules will apply:
- Allow dogs to be off-leash 24-hours per day during the low season (1 May - 30 September) within the existing designated dog off-leash area.
- Permit on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue stairs.
- Continue to not allow dog access via Surfers Avenue stairs to protect sensitive habitat.
Signage is currently being updated to reflect the new changes with the new rules to come into force from 13 July.
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.
- There were 1,046 survey responses and in-person feedback which 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.
- Feedback from previous engagement was used to inform the draft REF.
- The new REF was placed on public exhibition from 11 May to 31 May 2026.
