The policy and guide provide important information on the location, and community use requirements, of the off-leash dog areas and dog owner responsibilities in the public domain, across the Shoalhaven local government area.

Residents can take part in the process [see details below] but time is running out.

Mayor Shoalhaven City Council, Amanda Findley, said as part of Council's review of its Access Areas for Dogs Policy and Guide council will form a Community Working Group of interested community members to play a vital role in representing the views of the community.

"The Community Working Group will work closely with Council staff to provide meaningful, representative input and feedback on the operation, suitability, and safety of existing dog areas and signage, the potential for new dog areas, the adequacy of the current documents, and other related matters", Cr Findley said.

"In order to get the best outcome for the Shoalhaven, we need to ensure that the overall Group is representative of the widest-possible span of community interests."

Council is seeking members of the community who appreciate the range of issues central to the review of this Policy, have had team experience, are respectful of and open to the opinions of others, and accept consensus decisions.

Council is seeking nominations from seven community members from each of the three Council Wards.

Interested members of the community, including both dog owners and non-dog owners, are encouraged to nominate by Sunday 17 January 17 2021 here.

Council will confirm the membership of the Community Working Group in February 2021.

It is anticipated the duration of the group will be from February 2021 to April 2021.

For more information visit the Review of Access Areas For Dogs Policy - Expression Of Interest Community Working Group project page.