With an influx of visitors expected across the Shoalhaven this long weekend and throughout the school holidays, Council is reminding dog owners that seasonal beach access changes come into effect from today, Thursday 1 October.
The annual changes, which remain in place until 30 April 2027, affect dog access arrangements at a number of beaches across the Shoalhaven and coincide with the peak shorebird breeding season.
Mayor Patricia White is urging residents and visitors to familiarise themselves with local dog off-leash, on-leash and prohibited areas before heading to the beach.
“With daylight saving about to begin and the weather warming up, these rules help ensure people, pets and wildlife can safely share our beaches Cr White said.
“Please be aware that Rangers will be conducting patrols and issuing fines to owners who fail to comply with the regulations,” she said.
“Recent detections of avian influenza in the Shoalhaven are another reason for dog owners to remain vigilant.”
With 65 kilometres of coastline in the Shoalhaven, residents could encounter dead or unwell seabirds, particularly short-tailed shearwaters during their annual migration. With several cases of avian influenza having been detected in the Shoalhaven, members of the community are being urged to remain vigilant.
Dog owners should ensure their dogs do not interact with sick, injured or dead birds. If a sick or dead bird is found, it should be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
A section of Monument Beach at Bendalong is also a temporary dog-free area for the duration of the shorebird breeding season to protect a breeding pair of critically endangered Hooded Dotterels.
The dog off-leash area at Narrawallee Beach will transition from 24-hour off-leash access to timed off-leash access with the change to Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time. This year, that means this change will come into effect from 8am on Monday, 5 October.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to check Council’s website
