It’s time for dogs to have their day (and say)

Image: Check the signs to find out the rules for dogs on beaches.

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

We’re seeking feedback on the Policy, which has been updated in line with our review cycle. 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 our 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 our orange zone beaches, we’re proposing to change the on-leash hours to before 9am and after 5pm all year-around.

Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said having spaces where dogs can play and socialise is valued by our 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.”

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 our website.

The Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy is on exhibition from 5 November until 10 December. Our engagement website will have helpful 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, please visit our Dog Beaches and Parks page.

People can provide their feedback by :

• Completing the online survey on our engagement website
• Filling out a hard copy survey at any of our 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 us at any of the following events:
  • Let’s Talk pop-up: Crown Street Mall – Friday 7 November, 10:30am – 12:30pm
  • Let’s Talk Corrimal – Wednesday 12 November, 4 – 6pm at Corrimal Community Centre Hall