Policies Under Review - August 2025

Council has drafted the following policies and would like your feedback:


Draft Wildlife Protection Policy - consultation extended until 1 October 2025

Council has drafted a new Wildlife Protection Policy. This Policy has been developed to protect native wildlife and reduce the impact of invasive species on the environment. It also addresses the effects of roaming cats and off-leash dogs in areas with high conservation value and threatened species.

Draft Lobbying of Council Officials Policy - Consultation concluded

Council has drafted a new Lobbying of Council Officials Policy. This Policy provides clear rules for meetings with lobbyists to ensure fair and legal lobbying practices.


Have your say

We are seeking feedback from our community on these Policies until 17 September 2025 and extended to 1 October 2025 for the Draft Wildlife Protection Policy:

  • Online via our survey below
  • Email feedback to one of our project teams here
  • In writing to Sutherland Shire Council, Locked Bag 17, Sutherland 1499.

Next steps

Following community consultation, Council will review and consider all feedback. Some changes may be made to the Policies. It will then be finalised and reported to Council for adoption. The final policies will be available on this page and on Council’s website.

We will keep interested members of the community updated.

Council has drafted the following policies and would like your feedback:


Draft Wildlife Protection Policy - consultation extended until 1 October 2025

Council has drafted a new Wildlife Protection Policy. This Policy has been developed to protect native wildlife and reduce the impact of invasive species on the environment. It also addresses the effects of roaming cats and off-leash dogs in areas with high conservation value and threatened species.

Draft Lobbying of Council Officials Policy - Consultation concluded

Council has drafted a new Lobbying of Council Officials Policy. This Policy provides clear rules for meetings with lobbyists to ensure fair and legal lobbying practices.


Have your say

We are seeking feedback from our community on these Policies until 17 September 2025 and extended to 1 October 2025 for the Draft Wildlife Protection Policy:

  • Online via our survey below
  • Email feedback to one of our project teams here
  • In writing to Sutherland Shire Council, Locked Bag 17, Sutherland 1499.

Next steps

Following community consultation, Council will review and consider all feedback. Some changes may be made to the Policies. It will then be finalised and reported to Council for adoption. The final policies will be available on this page and on Council’s website.

We will keep interested members of the community updated.

  • Update: Draft Wildlife Policy Review

    Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the Draft Wildlife Protection Policy. Your input helps us to understand areas of most interest and importance to you, and your time in responding is greatly appreciated.

    During the exhibition period of the policy, we received:

    • 665 visits to the webpage on Join the Conversation
    • 304 downloads of the draft policy
    • 68 survey submissions and 290 email responses.


    Of those who participated in the survey, 79% of respondents were either very unhappy or unhappy with the policy exhibited. Of the remaining participants, 9% were happy or very happy, and 12% responded as neutral.

    Key feedback we received included:

    • welfare of shorebirds
    • review of terminology and definitions used
    • increased public education of wildlife protection areas
    • perception of dedicated areas for dogs
    • species risk assessments.


    Some of the feedback received highlighted the need for clearer articulation of the policy’s intent and its practical application. In response, the draft policy has been updated to further strengthen and clarify these aspects.


    The project team have also engaged directly with our Environment and Sustainability Reference Group to provide this information and address feedback raised through the consultation period.


    The revised/updated policy will be included in the Infrastructure Committee Meeting agenda on 1 December for consideration and adoption.

    We will keep interested community members updated on progress.


    Need more information? See our FAQs here or contact the Parks and Natural Areas Team at pestspecies@ssc.nsw.gov.au.

Page last updated: 06 Nov 2025, 03:20 PM