Cr White and Cr Mitchell Pakes have submitted a motion for the Tuesday, August 25 ordinary meeting to allocate all fines for unregistered dogs into a restricted account, to be used for dog off-leash areas including fencing, maintenance and signage.

Cr White expects the measure will put aside between $75,000-$100,000 a year for dog off leash areas.

READ MORE

She said dog-related issues has been a large source of complaints to council.

"Dogs are one of the most complained areas in council and we've got to properly fund it," Cr White said.

"There has been lots of requests for off-leash dog areas... we've had requests from Greenwell Point, Shoalhaven Heads, Sanctuary Point.

"It has become evident that we need to have a good look at these areas and if we've expecting people to take their dogs to an off-leash dog area that's fenced in, we need to make sure it is well maintained."

In a note from the council's CEO in the business paper, Stephen Dunshea raised concerns that "ring fencing" the revenue source from unregistered dog fines would have a negative financial impact on council's overall budget and the hole would need to be filled through alternative revenue or cuts.

"If he's got concerns about that he needs to make sure there is a permanent budget item in every budget that council does that looks into these matters," Cr White said.

"Council and councillors can't say 'we need these enclosed areas' if you are not going to put the funds towards doing it."

Shoalhaven Mayor Cr Amanda Findley said money did need to be allocated for off-leash areas but the time to propose that was in the budget two months ago.

"I do agree in future that we should have some money set aside and this motion should be changed to make sure money is available in the next budget cycle," Cr Findley said.

"When it comes to prioritising in the budget, dog off leash area becomes a lower priority when there are so many priority areas in the city."