Review of the Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy

Our outdoor spaces are loved by the Wollongong community, including our pets. We’re proposing some changes to the Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy to continue to facilitate access to appropriate recreational areas for dogs.

What is the Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy?

Our Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy outlines how we manage dogs in public spaces like beaches, parks, and reserves across our region. The main goals of our policy are:

• Set clear rules for where dogs can and can’t go.
• Create safe spaces for dogs to exercise.
• Remind owners of their responsibilities.
• Protect the environment, heritage, and native animals.
• Balance dog access with community and conservation needs.

The policy uses a three-tier traffic light system which is applicable to beaches. They are:

• Green Zones – Dogs are allowed off-leash at any time
• Orange Zone – Dogs are allowed on-leash at certain times only and prohibited at other times.
• Red Zone – No dogs allowed at any time.

Any area not marked as green, orange, or red is considered a Public Place, where dogs are allowed on-leash at any time.

What has changed with the policy in this review?

We review this policy from time to time to make sure it still works well and meets what our community needs. In this review, we have proposed some changes that need to happen to the policy. They include:

1. Readability - formatting and editorial changes that make it easier for our community to read and navigate.

2. Orange zoned beaches - the timed access for dogs in orange zoned beaches is being simplified:

• Dogs will be allowed on the orange zoned beach (on-leash only) before 9am and after 5pm, all year round, rather than from 4pm in winter and 6pm in summer.

• Between 9am and 5pm, dogs are not allowed in orange zoned beaches.

McCauleys Beach

The drafted Policy Review had proposed that the off-leash dog area of McCauleys Beach would be reduced to just the northern section of the beach area. The reason for this was that with recent storm surges, there has been significant erosion of vegetation exposing more of the environmentally sensitive rock platform at the southern end of the beach. Additionally, there exists in the proximity of the beach, the Sandon Point Aboriginal Place which remains a priority for Council to protect.

At the Council meeting on Monday 27 October 2025, Councillors resolved that proposed changes to McCauleys Beach not be included in the Policy Review prior to it going on exhibition. The reviewed policy does not propose any changes to the area of McCauleys Beach. You can watch a recording of that meeting on our website.

To find out more, you can:

• Take a look at the Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy Review 2025 - consultation copy
• Read some of the Frequently Asked Questions we have prepared that might be just what you're wanting to ask

Prefer reading material in person? You can visit any of the Wollongong City Council libraries to view a copy of the draft Policy, and collect a hardcopy of the survey. You may also wish to read the Council Report on the Policy Review from Monday 27 October 2025 meeting, watch the recorded Council meeting on 27 October 2025 or take a look at the minutes from the Council meeting.

Share your thoughts on the Policy:

• Completing the feedback form
• Emailing engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
• Attending in-person: Let’s Talk pop-up: Crown Street Mall and/or Let’s Talk Corrimal event
• Writing to The Engagement Team, Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821 WOLLONGONG DC NSW 2500
• Phoning 4227 7111

Please provide your feedback by Wednesday 10 December 2025.

Please note, any submissions become public documents and may be viewed by other persons on request. Please read Council's Privacy Policy before submitting your feedback.

Future off-leash dog parks

At the Council meeting on Monday 27 October, there was an additional amendment made that ‘Council seek feedback from the community on sites for future ‘off leash’ dog parks or other opportunities across the city.’ We are welcoming ideas for where our community may wish to see a dog park so these may be considered through future planning processes.

You can take a look at a map of our local government area and place a pin on a space you would like to see an off-leash dog park. Your suggestions will be considered by the relevant project teams.

Please note, any submissions become public documents and may be viewed by other persons on request. Please read Council's Privacy Policy before submitting your feedback.

Have questions?

You can give us a call on 4227 7111 to speak with the Engagement Team, or email engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au and we will get back to you.

Accessibility and language assistance

If you’re d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or language difficulty, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. If you need an interpreter, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. You’ll need to provide our phone number 02 4227 7111 for either service.