SOS - SAVE OUR STAIRS

Public Beach. Public Stairs. Public Access.

Dog owner access to Narrawallee Beach via Victor and Surfers Avenue stairs was suspended in November 2023.

Bought about by a small group of residents who took council to the Land and Environment Court.

A new Environmental Report combined with council commentary was published May 2024 and the previous councils’ recommendations were contrary to the findings of the most recent Review of Environmental Factors.

67%* of residents in a recent council survey have rejected the current access arrangements for dog owners at Narrawallee Beach.

20%* of residents claim they do not wish to have an encounter with a dog.

Leaving 80%* of beach users who do!

The previous Shoalhaven City Council recommendations supported the minority of the community.

Current dog off leash arrangements are timed and there is an expansive area of beach where dogs are not permitted.

Hundreds of dog owning residents from the area are now being directed to access the beach via Matron Porter Reserve which is not designed or maintained to service large amounts of people causing major risk, health, security and safety issues.

Due to the current restrictions many of our long-term elderly residents with companion dogs are unable to go to the beach taking away their ability exercise and vital social interaction. Others who walked now must drive. Children no longer going for family walks as its too far to get to beach.

Plus, Victor Avenue Stairs were recently widened to double the size at great cost to rate payers for safety reason and now we are unable to use.

Recommendations are causing enormous community disharmony and distress.

The previous council had very antiquated dog policies but actively promoted themselves as a pet friendly haven to millions of people who visit each year……it all just doesn’t make sense.

We need your help. 

Sign this petition to move the new Shoalhaven City Council to return safe and accessible beach access to dog owners via Surfers and Victor Avenues and reinstate previous off leash area.