Council is required under Section 13(6) of the Companion Animals Act 1998 to declare at least one public place in any municipality as an off leash area for dogs.  Section 13 (6) of the Companion Animal Act 1998 states:

“A local authority can by order declare a public place to be an off-leash area.  Such a declaration can be limited so as to apply during a particular period or periods of the day or to different periods of different days.  However, there must at all times be at least one public place in the area of a local authority that is an off-leash area.”

Dogs must be under effective control at all times when off private property - your dog must wear a collar and identification tag and be controlled on a leash held by a competent person (as defined under the Act), except in Council off leash areas.  Your dog should be well socialised and trained so it isn't aggressive and doesn't bark continually.

The purpose of leash free areas is to allow dogs to exercise off lead so they can ‘burn off’ excess energy in a safe environment without being a nuisance to the general public and to provide socialisation experience with other dogs.  By providing these opportunities, dogs are less likely to exhibit nuisance behaviour due to boredom and frustration when confined to their yard. Under the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998, Council is obliged to provide at least one leash free area.

You can walk your dog on a leash in all public areas unless otherwise sign posted. 

Beaches - ON Leash

Restricted on leash access is provided on the following beaches between 5am and 9am and 5pm and 8pm.

• Nine Mile Beach Tuncurry—nth of breakwall
• One Mile Beach Forster
• Boomerang Beach
• Sandbar Beach Smiths Lake
• Blueys Beach
• Bennetts Beach Hawks Nest
• Yaccaba

OFF & On Leash Dog Areas

You can let your dog run off the leash in certain areas, however whilst off leash your dog must be under effective control.  The following table show what areas and times you can take your dog off and on a leash.  Each individual area has its own time zone where you can walk your dog.  By clicking on the highlighted area you can find information on:

• Off leash areas
• On leash areas
• Dog restricted areas
• On and Off leash times - times vary depending upon area being used.

Beach Street Reserve Dog Agility Track

Great Lakes Council, together with Forster Tuncurry Lions Club and the Beach Street Volunteer Group, all worked together to build a Dog Agility Park at Beach Street Reserve, Tuncurry.  

Whilst dog agility is an actual sport, the park is for amateurs to provide mental simulation and activity for dogs.  The park consists of weave posts for slalom manoeuvres, tunnels, ramps and jumps where dogs can test each discipline and eventually race against owner and the clock.

Picking Up After Your Pet

Animal waste must be picked up in public areas.  Animal faeces pose a health threat to the community and are a serious environmental hazard.  Failure to pick up after your pet can attract a substantial fine.

For Further Information

For further information on restricted dog breeds, dogs in public places, offences, micro chipping and registration please refer to Council's brochure Laws Affecting You and Your Pooch.