A section of Monument Beach at Bendalong will temporarily become a dog-free area during the shorebird breeding season to help protect a pair of critically endangered Hooded Dotterels.
The change follows a request from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) which has confirmed the presence of a breeding pair of Hooded Dotterels at the site. The local Red Head Villages Association is supportive of the move.
Acting Mayor Peter Wilkins said seasonal restrictions would apply to the southern section of Monument Beach until March 2027, with a range of alternative on-leash and off-leash dog exercise areas continuing to be available in and around Bendalong.
“This is a temporary, seasonal measure designed to protect vulnerable nesting habitat during the shorebird breeding season,” Cr Wilkins said.
“It’s crucial the Shoalhaven plays its part in protecting the critically endangered Hooded Dotterel and give this remarkable species the best chance to breed successfully,” he said.
“Importantly, dog owners still have access to both on-leash and off-leash exercise areas nearby, including Washerwomans Beach, Dee Beach and Boat Harbour Beach.”
Affectionately known as ‘hoodies’, fewer than 70 Hooded Dotterels remain in NSW and all of them live on the south coast. NPWS has reported that only 23 individual Hooded Dotterels are known to exist between Bhewerre Beach and Batemans Bay.
This change is being made under the adaptive management provisions of Council’s Access Areas for Dogs Policy.
The restrictions will complement existing dog-prohibited areas at nearby Flat Rock Beach and adjoining National Park land, creating a continuous protected habitat corridor for nesting shorebirds during the breeding season.
Signage outlining the temporary arrangements will be installed at the Monument Beach car park.
