FAQs

Lake Macquarie has more than 92,000 dogs and a population of almost 215,000, making dog owners a key user of our open spaces.

With a growing population, smaller living spaces and finite open space, Council needs to plan strategically for the future provision of open spaces for dogs to exercise.

The draft strategy is a 10-year plan, which applies to open spaces owned or managed by Council, including parks, bushland, sportsgrounds, foreshores and beaches.

The draft strategy provides a framework that includes site suitability criteria, provision and embellishment standards and is underpinned by a vision statement and objectives.

The draft Dogs in Open Space Strategy provides:

• The current provision for dogs in open space
• Vision and objectives
• Dogs in open space framework.
• Education and regulation
• An action plan for dogs in open space to be implemented over the next 10 years
• Proposed dog off-leash areas and dog prohibited areas.

The Dogs in Open Space Policy was adopted by Council in May 2018. A revised version of this policy is now on public exhibition for comment. It was reviewed and updated to ensure consistency with the draft Dogs in Open Space Strategy.

The draft strategy and the draft policy will perform different functions for dogs in open space on Council owned land. The draft strategy sets out our goals and objectives for dogs in open space, whereas the draft policy sets out the rules which will inform key decision making for managing these areas

The draft policy recognises the importance of dogs as companion animals and provides the broad parameters to define open spaces that are suitable for dogs to be exercised on-leash, off-leash or areas where dogs should be prohibited

A summary is provided below. For further information see Section 10 and 11 of the draft strategy, with final off-leash locations provided in Appendix 1.

You can also view the final proposed dog off-leash areas in our online map.

Proposed new dog off-leash areas area proposed to be located at: 

1. Catherine Hill Bay, northern end of Catherine Hill Bay Beach
2. Nords Wharf, Nords Wharf Oval
3. Cameron Park, Pasterfield Reserve
4. Edgeworth, Reserve off Turnbull Street
5. Argenton, Kindyerra Park
6. Hillsborough, Reserve off Hillsborough Road
7. Myuna Bay Foreshore Reserve
8. Morisset Peninsula, Sunshine Park (time restricted)
9. Cooranbong, North Cooranbong onsite sports facility
10. Pinny Beach residential development.

Dog off-leash areas with no changes proposed:

1. Booragul, Booragul Foreshore
2. Coal Point, Gurranba Reserve
3. Croudace Bay (fenced), Thomas H Halton Park
4. Marks Point, Haddon Crescent
5. Speers Point, Creek Reserve Road.

Dog off-leash areas with changes proposed:

There are changes proposed for 25 existing dog off-leash areas.

• Removing natural areas at:

1. Bolton Point - Bay Road
2. Bonnells Bay, Pendlebury Park
3. Carey Bay, Hampton Street Reserve
4. Caves Beach (Hams Beach)
5. Croudace Bay (unfenced), Thomas H Halton Park
6. Windale, Bahloo Reserve
7. Wyee, Wyee Oval.

• Adjusting boundaries due to conflicting use, improving safety or increasing area:

1. Barnsley - Taylor Park
2. Belmont North - Lenaghan Park
3. Blackalls Park Reserve
4. Blacksmiths, Dobinson Reserve
5. Bolton Point - Bay Road
6. Carey Bay, Hampton Street Reserve
7. Caves Beach (Hams Beach)
8. Croudace Bay (unfenced), Thomas H Halton Park
9. Rathmines, Rathmines Park
10. Redhead, Molly O’Connor Park
11. Redhead, Redhead Beach (changes to on-leash area being dog prohibited)
12. Swansea, Thomas Humphries Reserve
13. Toronto, Toronto Lions Park
14. Valentine, Ruston Ave
15. West Wallsend, Gregory Park
16. Windale, Bahloo Reserve.

• Changing time restrictions on sportsgrounds

1. Barnsley - Taylor Park
2. Belmont North - Lenaghan Park
3. Cardiff South, Cardiff No.3
4. Dora Creek, Douglas St Oval No.2
5. Gateshead, Goundry St Oval
6. Morisset, Gibson Oval (relocated from Bernie Goodwin Oval)
7. West Wallsend, Gregory Park
8. Windale, Bahloo Reserve
9. Wyee, Wyee Oval.

• Functionality improvements

1. Blacksmiths, Dobinson Reserve
2. Blacksmiths, Nine Mile Beach
3. Bolton Point - Bay Road
4. Buttaba, Foreshore Reserve
5. Charlestown, adjacent to netball courts
6. Rathmines, Rathmines Park
7. Redhead, Molly O’Connor Park
8. Toronto, Toronto Lions Park
9. Windale, Bahloo Reserve.

What dog off-leash areas is Council proposing to relocate?

The draft strategy proposes one off-leash site to be relocated:

• Bernie Goodwin Oval, Morisset is proposed to be relocated to Gibson Oval, Morisset.

For further information see Section 10 and 11 of the draft strategy, with final off-leash locations provided in Appendix 1.

Dog prohibited areas are open spaces where dogs are not permitted.

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, dogs are prohibited in the following places (whether or not they are leashed or otherwise controlled):

• Within 10m of any children’s play areas (playing apparatus)
• Within 10m of any food preparation or food consumption spaces (not including public pathways).

Under the Act, councils also have the authority to prohibit dogs from other public spaces including:

• Recreation spaces including sports fields where organised games are played
• Public bathing spaces (including beach spaces)
• Wildlife protection spaces (such as shorebird nesting habitats on the beaches and rock platforms of the LGA).

The draft strategy proposes the following open space areas to be dog prohibited:

• Green Point Foreshore Reserve, Belmont (existing)
• Pirrita Island, Swansea
• Biodiversity offset sites at
  1. Jewells
  2. Valentine
  3. Awaba
  4. Ryhope
• Within 400m of a patrolled beach area.

Dogs are allowed on-leash in all open spaces that are not prohibited areas as currently defined in the Companion Animals Act, Council's Dog Policy and/or Plan of Management for specific areas.

What we tested in Phase Two consultation

In the second stage of community consultation, we tested a proposal to redraw the existing off- leash area at Thomas H Halton and remove the current timed restrictions, to off-leash at all times. The basis of the proposed changes was to address compliance with the Companion Animals Act, reported conflict between dogs and cyclists on the shared pathway, and inclusion of a natural area.

What we heard

The proposal was generally unsupported. Feedback received from the community highlighted that the proposal:

• removed the opportunity to undertake a circuit walk with their dogs off-leash
• removed the area with the best access to the lake for dogs to swim
• concentrated use within an area with poor drainage.

Broadly, there was a preference to retain the current time restrictions rather than reduce access to a larger area.

There was minority support for the proposal, particularly with dogs not being off-leash along the shared pathway.

What was considered in finalising the proposal for inclusion in the draft strategy?

In finalising a proposal for Thomas H Halton, we have sought to balance opportunities to retain the most important elements of the dog off-leash area with managing the legislative requirements and interactions with the broader recreational uses of the site.

What is the final proposal for Croudace Bay?

• Retain the extent of existing off-leash area with the exception of:
  • a 10m buffer to the playground and BBQ area to meet legislative requirements
  • the bushland area, which will not be included in the off-leash area in accordance with the strategy framework
  • the hit wall/basketball court area.

Dogs will be permitted on-leash outside the off-leash area, except within the fenced playground.

• Retain the current off-leash time periods of sunrise to 10am daily and 4:30pm to sunset Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
• Install signage and tactile surfacing on the shared pathway to highlight the shared zone to cyclists and dog owners.
• Install new signage to clearly identify the boundaries of the off-leash area and time restrictions.

Refer to the area shaded in green below.

For further information see Section 10 and 11 of the draft strategy.

What we tested in Phase Two consultation

In the second stage of community consultation, we tested a proposal to remove the dog on-leash section (between First Creek and Second Creek) and extend the current dog prohibited area to Second Creek. No changes to the current off-leash area were proposed. The proposed changes aimed to address the relatively small area for people to enjoy the beach without interaction with dogs, an issue further exacerbated by recent beach erosion.

What we heard

• A larger proportion did not support the proposal, with key responses wishing to retain the dog on-leash area:
  • to allow an area for dogs on-leash to not have to interact with dogs off-leash
  • to provide accessibility onto the beach for dog owners with mobility issues
  • to provide a larger area for dogs due to Redhead Beach being used by a wide catchment area.
• A smaller proportion supported the proposal with responses including having a larger area of the beach for just people, allowing First Creek to be used by families without dogs, and reduced incidence of dog faeces on the beach.
• A majority of respondents, whether or not they supported the proposal, raised issues with a lack of car parking to support access to the dog off-leash area.

What was considered in finalising the proposal for inclusion in the draft strategy?

In finalising a proposal for Redhead Beach, we have sought to enable recreation opportunities for people without interaction with dogs. This includes adherence to the proposed Dogs in Open Space Framework, which stipulates a 400m buffer between a patrolled beach area and dog permitted area. Existing car parking located at and along Cain St and Webb Park will be available to access the dog off-leash area.

What is the final proposal for Redhead Beach?

Proceed with the proposal as tested and continue to assess impacts of the proposed change on parking:

• Dogs prohibited along northern section of the beach to Second Creek (shaded in red below)
• Off-leash south from Second Creek to Third Creek (area shaded in green below)
• Leash free at all times.

For further information see Section 10 and 11 of the draft strategy.

What we tested in Phase Two

In the second stage of community consultation, we tested a proposal to redraw the extent of the off-leash area, removing the natural area (bushland) and a portion of the open space area to provide for future recreation facilities identified in the Toronto Catchment Development Contributions Plan.

What we heard

• Most respondents were unsupportive of the potential recreation facilities identified in the Development Contributions Plan.
• A minority supported change to allow for broader recreational use.

What was considered in finalising the proposal for inclusion in the draft strategy?

The objectives of the strategy are to provide a balance between dogs in open space and broader community needs.

The future provision of any recreation facilities at Hampton Street Reserve will be further developed in consultation with the community as part of a master plan process.

What is the final proposal for Hampton Street Reserve?

Proceed with the proposal as tested:

• Bushland will not be included within the dog off-leash area 
• Reduce off-leash area from cleared open space to allow for future park and recreational embellishments
• Leash-free at all times.

Refer to the area shaded in green below.

For further information see Section 10 and 11 of the draft strategy.

What we tested in Phase Two

In the second stage of community consultation, we tested a proposal to redraw the extent of the off-leash area, removing the grassed area and car park but extending along the beach 200m north.

What we heard

• Opposition to the grassed area being removed. Respondents pointed out the existing grassed area provides an off-leash opportunity for those physically unable to access the beach.
• Desire for extension to the north to go to the rock area, providing a clear marker for where the off-leash zone terminates, and greater length for exercising.

Considered in finalising the proposal for inclusion in the draft strategy?

The importance of accessible off-leash areas is recognised, in addition to the benefit of providing access to a larger, less-populated beach area with clear delineation points.

What is the final proposal for Hams Beach?

Change the off-leash boundaries to include:

• The northern grassed area
• Beach area from Hams Beach southern access point north to the rocks
• Leash-free at all times.

Refer to the area shaded in green below.

For further information see Section 10 and 11 of the draft strategy.

What we tested in Phase Two

In the second stage of community consultation, we tested a proposal to relocate Pendelbury Park shared off-leash area to Bonnells Bay Park. This was due to the requirement to remove the natural area from the existing off-leash area, leaving a significantly reduced area, and to provide greater separation from adjacent recreational uses.

What we heard

• Support for relocation due to separation from adjacent recreational uses
• Responses unsupportive of relocation cited:
  • the potential impact on wildlife at Bonnells Bay Park
  • access to clean swimming area at Pendlebury Park
  • a preference for reduced area at Pendlebury Park rather than relocation
  • relocation would not address issues of dogs off-leash in playground.

What was considered in finalising the proposal for inclusion in the draft strategy?

It was acknowledged that access to swimming was far more desirable at Pendlebury Park and the impact on wildlife at Bonnells Bay would require further research. The reduced area is within the recommended size for off-leash areas.

What is the final proposal for Pendlebury Park?

Retain the dog off-leash area at Pendlebury Park:

• Reduce the off-leash boundaries to remove the natural area
• Leash-free at all times. 

Refer to the area shaded in green below.

For further information see Section 10 and 11 of the draft strategy.

What we tested in Phase Two

In the second stage of community consultation, we tested a proposal to provide a new off-leash location at Sunshine Park that would be leash-free at all times.

What we heard

Feedback received from the community was mixed.

• There was greater support for the proposal, with comments noting:
  • The area is already used to exercise dogs
  • Are would require signage and potentially fencing
  • Timed off-leash would provide a balance to those using the space for passive recreation.
• Feedback from those unsupportive included:
  • Owners don’t control their dogs
  • Too close to popular BBQ area and playground
  • Impact on adjacent flora and fauna
  • Area proposed is used for other recreational uses.

What was considered in finalising the proposal for inclusion in the draft strategy?

While there was more support for the proposal, it was acknowledged that the off-leash area may impact adjacent recreational uses during busy periods. Timed off-leash provides an opportunity for the local community to exercise their dogs in a suitable space at quieter times of the day and week. The off-leash area will be implemented on a trial basis, during which time any impacts will be assessed.

What is the final proposal for Sunshine Park?

Provide a new shared off-leash area.

• 12-month trial, to be reviewed
• Time restrictions for off-leash area of sunrise to 10am every day and 4:30pm to sunset Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Refer to the area shaded in green below.

For further information see Section 10 and 11 of the draft strategy.

Phase One engagement was about capturing information regarding the behaviours of dog owners when using dog off-leash areas and identifying improvements for current off-leash site and potential new off-leash sites.

Phase Two engagement was focused on gaining community feedback on the proposed changes to existing off-leash areas and potential locations for future dog off-leash sites.

The framework for the strategy and the basis for the proposals being presented during the second phase of consultation was outlined in a supporting discussion paper.

To view the engagement insights, read our full Community Engagement Report (Phase One and Two).

Phase One engagement focused on capturing information regarding the behaviours of dog owners when using dog off-leash areas, identifying improvements for current off-leash site and collecting ideas about potential new off-leash sites. A total of 825 comments were received.

The second phase of consultation tested proposals for existing and potential new off-leash locations, prior to developing the draft strategy. A total of 1184 surveys were completed as part of the second community engagement phase, and 57 residents attended three drop-in sessions.

Community feedback from Phase Two consultation was considered in conjunction with internal stakeholder feedback, and the strategy objectives and framework. Based on this, the following has been recommended for off-leash areas:

• A total of 40 off-leash areas including:
  1. 30 existing areas (encompassing changes where applicable)
  2. 10 new off-leash areas (to be implemented over time)
• Recommendations for existing 30 locations:
  1. No changes to five locations
  2. Proposed changes to 25 locations
  3. Relocation of one off-leash area.

Proposed changes for the 21 locations include the extension of existing off-leash areas, adjustments to boundaries to address natural areas and/or conflict with adjacent uses, i.e. recreational uses or roads, and functionality improvements. Nine off-leash locations on sportsgrounds are also included in these changes, which now permit greater access through reduced time restrictions.

A number of existing and new off-leash locations received significant feedback. Six of these have been further detailed in the FAQs below.

Our plan for dogs in open space is detailed in Section 9, 10 and 11 of the draft strategy. The proposed final off-leash locations across Lake Macquarie are provided in Appendix 1.

Please refer to the Community Engagement Report for the full community engagement findings.

A summary report has also been provided for both phases of consultation and are available to view in the online document library.

Prior to the second phase of consultation, all of Council’s existing off-leash areas were assessed against site suitability criteria. The suitability of potential new off-leash sites to address gaps in provision was also assessed using the criteria.

This allowed staff to determine the functionality of specific sites and investigate issues raised during the Phase One community consultation.

The proposed changes to existing off-leash areas and new sites addressed issues such as conflict between dogs and adjacent uses, incompatibility with natural areas, timed use and site functionality.

Feedback received during Phase Two consultation were considered in the finalisation of the current and future off-leash areas, along with stakeholder feedback and the Dogs in Open Space Framework.

The draft strategy and draft policy are available to view on this website.

A hard copy of the draft strategy can be picked up from the following libraries:

• Belmont
• Cardiff
• Charlestown
• Edgeworth
• Morisset
• Speers Point
• Swansea

Feedback must be provided as a formal written submission via one of the following channels:

• Online submission form
• Email: [email protected]
• Mail: ATT: Donna Mitchell, Lake Macquarie City Council, Box 1906, Hunter Region, Mail Centre, NSW 2310

Feedback closes 30 November 2022.

For any general enquiries, please call 4921 0333 or email [email protected].

The Project Team will respond as soon as possible.

You can reach out to the Project Team via one of the following channels, and they will respond as soon as possible:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 4921 0333

Web: Ask a question via our Shape Lake Mac website.

The feedback in your written submission can be as concise or as long as you wish.

Please make it clear at the top of your submission that your feedback is in relation to the draft Dogs in Open Space Strategy. 

If you are mailing your submission, please include your contact details so that we may advise you that we've received your submission.

Ideally, you will provide detailed and specific feedback. The submissions will be reviewed by staff and later presented to Council to make an informed decision.

Should multiple submissions be received from a single resident regarding this project, the feedback will be reviewed by staff and counted as one submission when reporting back to Council.

Feedback may result in further changes being made to the draft strategy prior to a report being prepared for Council.

You will be notified again, prior to Council considering the matter, which will include a link to the Council report containing a summary of submissions and how feedback was considered. It is expected the proposal will be reported back to Council, seeking adoption in early 2023.