News/Update
3/3/2026
Narrawallee Beach Dog Access REF Update
There is a lot happening presently so we thought it was worthwhile to give everyone an update on the work we as the Committee are doing.
Becscomm the company appointed to run the Community Consultation component of the REF have commenced their part of the review last week. The President Andrew Sutton, Vice-President Tim Trescowthick, Secretary Susan Creighton and Roger Steele met online with them and a representative of Biosis who are evaluating the environmental aspects of the REF, to discuss the review and to represent our members. Over an hour many aspects of the review were covered and Paws were able to provide its views on a number of facets, including but not limited to the reopening of Victor Ave and Surfers Ave stairs, the increase in winter hours, the increase in the off-leash area from the bottom of the Victor Avenue Stairs to BA10 (adjacent to Barclay Street) safety aspects in play, the environment and importantly just how the current restrictions have impinged on our community and individual’s quality of life.
The next step will include a public meeting with Becscomm the details of which are still to be provided and once received will be passed on to our members and followers ASAP thereafter.
Later this month or possibly in April we expect the draft REF will be made available and it is at this point submissions to SCC (Shoalhaven City Council) can be made. Again further advice will be provided to all as it becomes available as this will be a critical component to our overall organisational submission.
In the meantime, well done to all that organised and attended the Rally last Friday evening. For those wondering we deliberately did not publicise the event more widely but relied only on word of mouth, but to get 40 people and 30 dogs there was a testament to just how angry and frustrated we are with the current restrictions. Thank you to Stephen Dolan and Tim Trescowthick for speaking at the rally and to Mayor White and Councillor Kemp for attending, continuing to show their support for us.
We have also prepared and sent a Media Release to various local media outlets, so hopefully you will see some positive results ensuing in the coming weeks.
Finally and this one is for ALL of you, don’t forget to ensure that you, your family and friends complete the SCC survey before Sunday.
Dog Access - Narrawallee Beach Survey
27/2/2026
Becscomm the company appointed to run the Community Consultation component of the REF have commenced their part of the review this week.
The President, Vice-President, Secretary met with them online to discuss the review and to represent its members. Over the hour many aspects of the review were covered and Paws were able to provide its view on a number of facets, including but not limited to the reopening of Victor Ave and Surfers Ave stairs, the increase in winter hours, safety aspects in play, the environment and importantly just how the current restrictions have impinged on our community and individual’s quality of life.
Becscomm will also be meeting with another 5 groups/stakeholders over coming weeks.
The next steps will include a public meeting with details still to be provided by Becscomm and which will be passed on to our members and followers when available.
During March the draft REF will be made available and it is at this point submissions to SCC (Shoalhaven City Council) can be made.
Again further advice will be provided to all as it becomes available as this will be a critical component to our overall organisational submission.
11/2/2026
Shoalhaven City Council has resolved to undertake a new Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and a fresh round of community engagement following a Council decision in August 2025.
The new REF will assess potential adjustments to the current dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach, including:
24-hour off-leash access in the central section of the beach during the low season (1 May–1 October each year)
Additional on-leash dog access via the Victor Avenue and Surfers Avenue stairs.
These options were not assessed in the 2024 REF. Under NSW legislation, any new or altered proposal must be supported by an updated environmental assessment.
The first step in the consultation an online questionnaire is now available at the following link. Please complete prior to the 8th March.
Community questionnaire - dog access arrangements at Narrawallee Beach | Get Involved Shoalhaven
Further updates on next steps will be posted on the website and communicated though email, stay tuned!
9th Jan 2026
Dog access t o Narrawallee Beach is again being reviewed by Shoalhaven City Council in early 2026, with a new Review of Environmental Factors and further Community Engagement being conducted
We need dog owners support to help retain off-leash access to Narrawallee Beach, re-establish on-leash access from Surfers Ave and Victor Ave and an extension of off-leash hours.
You can help by:
JOINING/RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
DONATING
VOLUNTEERING
Via Paws4Shoalhaven
10 Dec 2025
Shoalhaven City Council provides detailed plan on the new Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for off leash access to Narrawallee Beach.
More Details: New environmental factors engagement for dog off leash at Narrawallee
29 Sep 2025
Shoalhaven Council Resolution to complete a New Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for Narrawallee Beach access.
More Details can be found: Narrawallee Beach Dog Access
2024
Whilst 2024 was a very difficult year for dog owners in Milton Ulladulla area, we have been extremely busy and as can be seen from the following list, we have not shied away from agitating our cause despite the obstinance of the previous Council:
Two Meetings with Council Management at Nowra.
Beach walks with Councillors. (5)
REF Review and research.
Preparation of Submission 40+ Pages
Two deputations at Council Ordinary Meetings
Rally on the Beach
Multiple Meetings with Clr Patricia White.
Facebook Communication
Established a Paws Instagram account.
Dog Counts on Daily, Weekly and Monthly basis.
Million Paws Walk Burrill lake
Stall at the local Community Expo
Posters and flyers distributed throughout the year
Meet and greet with visitors providing education re changes at Narrawallee Beach during summer and Easter holidays.
Meeting with Liza Butler (State Member Parliament)
Grown membership to over 1,200+ Members
Accompanied Maxine to letterbox drop in her neighbourhood around Victor Ave
Media presence - ABC Illawarra, 2ST, SMH, Milton Ulladulla Times, Today Show
Public Petition signed by over 15729 people
Meeting with the Tribe Independent Candidates at Narrawallee Beach
Dog Party at Bar Yuki raising over $400 for Paws4 Shoalhaven
Participating in the Bird Count
Surveying each of the Local Council candidates as to their views re dogs and access throughout the LGA and disseminating information via Social Media
Unfortunately despite the enormous efforts of the Paws community the Shoalhaven City Council during August voted to make the temporary access arrangements permanent.
With Council Elections held in September we now have a very different Council and this may present a great opportunity for better more equitable arrangements. Further updates will be provided in due course on this page, Facebook & Instagram.