WITH estimates of about 40 dogs for everyone 100 people in the Local Government Area, Wollongong City Council is anticipating there will be plenty of community interest in the public exhibition of its updated Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy.

The Council is seeking feedback on the updated policy. Most of the updates are behind-the-scenes tweaks that make the policy easier to understand such as clearer wording and better formatting. But there’s one key proposed change that affects orange zone beaches.

Orange zone beaches allow dogs to visit at set times on a leash. Currently there are different set times in these zones based on the season. In summer dogs can visit orange zone beaches before 9am and after 6pm and in winter before 9am and after 4pm. To simplify the timed access at orange zone beaches, Council is proposing to change the on-leash hours to before 9am and after 5pm all year-around.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said having spaces where dogs can play and socialise is valued by the community.

“This policy outlines how we can support this and balance it with the varied needs of our public spaces,” she said.

“For this engagement, we’re asking residents if they agree with the proposed changes to the on-leash orange zones. These changes aim to make it easier for our community as the current timetable does change between winter and summer.”

---

We want to hear your thoughts! Scroll to the comments at the bottom of the page

---

The initial draft Policy Review had proposed that the off-leash dog area of McCauleys Beach could be reduced to the northern section of the beach area for environmental and cultural reasons. At the Council meeting on 27 October 2025, Councillors resolved that this proposed change would not be included in the policy review prior to going on exhibition. The reviewed policy does not propose any changes to the area of McCauleys Beach.

For more information, you can view the Council meeting minutes on Council’s website.

The Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy is on exhibition from 5 November until 10 December. Engagement website will have information about the policy and proposed changes including FAQs.

During this timeframe, there is also an opportunity for residents to suggest future off-leash dog parks or other opportunities across our LGA. These suggestions will be considered in Council’s future planning.

“Wollongong has a very passionate community of dog owners and Council has responded to that by providing a range of off-leash dog areas that are within a five-kilometre distance of most homes within the Wollongong Local Government Area,’’ she said.

“Council currently has 6 off -leash dog parks and 10 off-leash beach areas from Stanwell Park in the north to Perkins Beach in the south.

“I encourage everyone who has an interest in this proposal – whether you’re a dog owner or not – to take the time to look at the information on Council’s website and provide your feedback before 10 December.’’

For more information on our existing locations, visit our Dog Beaches and Parks page.

People can provide their feedback by :

• Completing the online survey on Council’s engagement website
• Filling out a hard copy survey at libraries
• Emailing engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
• Phoning 4227 7111
• Writing to us ‘The General Manager, Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821, WOLLONGONG DC NSW 2500’
• Or chatting to Council representatives at Let’s Talk Corrimal – Wednesday 12 November, 4 – 6pm at Corrimal Community Centre Hall

Free subscription to The Bulli & Clifton Times

OR DONATE BY CREDIT CARD

Don’t have Paypal? Instead, if you would like to support my work, you can leave a secure $2 credit or debit card donation here by tapping or clicking on the button below. Your generous patronage of my work and research, however small it appears to you, will greatly help me with my continuing costs.