Proposed changes have included ancillary issues such as how permits may be administered and alternate access to leash-free areas for dogs has been explored.

The resulting policies are somewhat different to the existing policies.

Differences include the incorporation of Dogs of Beaches policy with Prohibition of Dogs on Council Land policy, so that one policy makes explicit where dogs are permitted and prohibited on land that is managed by council.

Dogs off leashes are permitted in Saxby Park, Stevenson Street, Taree; Nicholson Street Reserve, Harrington; and on Black Head Beach between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

Dogs off the leash are also allowed on beaches within the council area not within the prohibited areas.

Prohibited areas include the patrolled area of any beach, the ocean pool at Black Head, and all National Parks and Wildlife Service or Crown Lands domestic animal exclusion zones.

Council's draft policy proposes two models for off leash areas that will be canvassed during the exhibition process.

The draft policies will be on public exhibition, with the input of the broader community also sought.

The consultation method prior to drafting the revised policies included interviewing people from local community organisations and government agencies.

Following stage two of the engagement, it is anticipated that a report will propose adoption of policy at councils' December meeting.