One South Coast council is proposing a shake-up of where visitors and locals can take their furry friends. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Feedback over accessibility and user numbers has driven a proposal to change where dogs in the Bega Valley can go.
Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) meeting documents state the Bega Valley has 15 designated off-leash areas, while dogs are also banned from several areas.
“Outside these areas, and beyond private property boundaries, dogs must be kept on a leash in accordance with the Companion Animals Act 1998 to ensure public safety and environmental protection,” the document states.
In February 2025, the council asked the public to have their say about leash-free and controlled dog areas as part of a policy review.
As part of consultation, an online survey received 935 responses, while the councillors held two workshops to discuss the recommended changes.
At a recent meeting, councillors unanimously voted to adopt the resulting proposal to switch up canine access around the region.
Under the proposal, two areas will have their dog access changed or removed, while six new off-leash areas will be introduced.
It means the existing off-leash area at Bar Beach in Merimbula (in front of the Bar Beach Kiosk) would be switched to an on-leash area.
BVSC meeting documents state this is because of safety risks between dogs and families, as well as legislative and hygiene concerns.
The proposal calls for dogs to be banned from the entire Spencer Park foreshore and tidal sandpit area, due to “high public use and environmental sensitivity”.
Dog parks and facilities exist all over the country – but Bega Valley’s might look different soon. Photo: Bega Valley Shire Council.
Changes to the policy also flag the introduction of six new off-leash areas at parks, sporting fields and other areas around the region.
One would be introduced at the southern end of the AFL field at the Berrambool Sports Complex (as a restricted off-leash area that could not be used when the field was booked).
Restricted off-leash areas are also proposed for the fenced dog training area at the Wolumla Sporting and Show Ground Dog Obedience Area and Lions Park in Bega.
Both of these sites would be unavailable when booked and in use for dog training classes.
During the meeting, councillor David Porter said changes to the proposed maps would help to ensure clarity around the policy.
He also thanked council staff for their work on the policy.
“Adding the off-leash area in Chaz Izzards [a park in Tathra] was a particular request of mine, and I was really happy to see them do the work and bring that up.”
The proposal means dogs could be let off their leashes in part of Chaz Izzards Park, though they could not be left unattended, the council documents state.
Another designated off-leash area would apply in Evans Park at Kalaru, and another one covering part of Dolphin Cove (north of Merimbula).
However, there would be a 100 metre boundary between the latter off-leash area and the nearby national park.
Following the council’s decision to support the draft policy, it will now be put on public exhibition for at least 28 days.
The council meeting papers state the consultation process will happen in early 2026.
“The consultation period will be promoted through council’s website, a media release and social media channels,” the document states.
“This will occur in February 2026 to avoid the busy summer period where the community may have limited opportunities to provide feedback.”
