South Coast NSW
Bega Valley Shire Council
Bega Valley Shire Council decisions and meeting notes from public minutes. This page follows 13 recent meetings, including 13 with decisions or resident-facing discussion. 15 articles have been written from the source minutes. Recent records mention Projects and capital works, Roads, traffic and parking, Bega, Merimbula.
- Meetings
- 13
- Substantive
- 13
- Articles
- 15
- Watch items
- 22
Latest
Abalone closure could leave divers and processors outside $6,355-per-share payment
Bega Valley councillors voted 6-2 to ask Minister Tara Moriarty to review the voluntary share surrender compensation or, alternatively, defer the program and Central Zone closure pending consultation.
A 166-lot residential subdivision and public reserve were approved at 134 East Street, Bega.
The Bega urban land-release proposal will return for consideration on 18 November 2026, with updated mapping and notifications to affected landowners and submitters.
Twyford Hall fees and charges will change when Council assumes management control on 4 November 2026.
Twyford-related debts exceeding $337,000 were written off.
Articles
Abalone closure could leave divers and processors outside $6,355-per-share payment
Bega Valley councillors voted 6-2 to ask Minister Tara Moriarty to review the voluntary share surrender compensation or, alternatively, defer the program and Central Zone closure pending consultation.
Beach Street bid for 59-space parking plan defeated
Bega Valley councillors voted five to three against seeking plans for parking changes and a return to two-way traffic in central Merimbula.
Bega’s 2,200-lot housing plan deferred; preliminary infrastructure estimate $305.3m
Bega Valley Shire Council has deferred the urban land-release proposal until 18 November, with landowners and submitters to receive written notice and revised mapping to be prepared.
Bega Valley’s bubbler register remains a work in progress
Council noted continuing work to record the type and location of every existing bubbler across the shire, but the 21 October draft minutes give no completion date or funding for physical upgrades.
Twyford Hall users face amended charges from 4 November as Council takes over
Bega Valley Shire Council has adopted amended fees for the complex, but the draft minutes do not list the amounts for individual hires or services.
Twyford Hall committee debt of $333,000 among $337,459 written off
Bega Valley Shire Council recorded a six-vote decision to write off the Twyford Hall Committee Limited debt and three smaller charges. Amended fees are to take effect when Council assumes management control on 4 November.
Bega Valley names 17 conduct reviewers through June 2030
The panel includes KPMG, Maddocks, McCabes Lawyers and KordaMentha after a Canberra Region Joint Organisation expression-of-interest process.
Barragoot Beach wildlife status left open as council orders investigation
Bega Valley Shire Council adopted its updated companion-animal control procedure in an eight-to-one vote, but the resolution made no Wildlife Protection Area designation for Barragoot Beach.
RU2 landholders face possible forestry rule change after Bega Valley vote
Bega Valley Shire Council has voted 5-3 to prepare a proposal that could allow forestry without consent in the RU2 Rural Landscape zone, but the resolution does not itself change planning controls.
Dog declaration procedures deferred as Bega Valley seeks stronger safeguards
A five-four council vote has sent proposed procedures for dangerous and menacing dog declarations back for changes, including written reasons, access to adverse material and disability supports.
Merimbula property granted $15,525.60 water-charge concession as CEO limit rises
Bega Valley Shire Council approved the concession for 21 Marine Parade and separately lifted the CEO’s authority for eligible water and wastewater charge reductions to $50,000.
Bega Valley blower renewal tenders rejected, with no next step recorded
Council rejected every tender for the Sewer Treatment Plant Blower Renewal in a unanimous Resolution 124/26 vote, but the public minutes give no reason or timetable for what happens next.
Decisions
Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal deferred
Consideration was deferred to 18 November 2026. Landowners and submitters are to be notified, and the future report must include the revised planning proposal and a map aligning changes with approved lot boundaries.
The proposal concerns future housing capacity and infrastructure requirements in Bega. Council material estimates enabling infrastructure at approximately $305.3 million and identifies potential capacity of about 2,200 lots, subject to servicing and funding.
166-lot subdivision approved at 134 East Street, Bega
Council approved Development Application 2022.209 for a 166-lot subdivision and public reserve, subject to the draft notice of determination. The proposed reserve will be dedicated as public reserve and is intended to be classified as community land.
The decision enables a substantial new residential subdivision and adds public reserve land in Bega.
Merimbula Boardwalk renewal remains targeted for pre-Christmas access
The project is about 70% complete, with forecast expenditure of $10.22 million excluding GST against an approved $10.93 million budget. Public access remains targeted before Christmas 2026, while contract completion is forecast for February 2027. The revised contract value is $8,896,269.80 excluding GST after approved variations.
Residents and visitors may regain access to the boardwalk and foreshore precinct before Christmas, although weather, site conditions and approvals could cause further delays.
Issues
Projects and capital works
Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal deferred
Roads, traffic and parking
Merimbula CBD upgrade motion defeated
Budget, rates and governance
Twyford Hall fees and charges adopted
Planning, development and housing
Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal deferred
Funding and grants
Bega Urban Land Release Planning Proposal deferred
Waste, water and environment
CEO authorised to negotiate private-land works for Central Waste Facility power upgrade
Topics
Bega growth infrastructure
Council material identifies approximately $305.3 million in enabling infrastructure costs for the Bega Urban Land Release Area, with funding potentially shared between developers, Council and the NSW Government.
The cost and timing of water, sewer, transport and other infrastructure will influence when future housing land can be developed and who carries associated costs.
Smart-glasses privacy advocacy
Council considered a motion seeking stronger privacy protections for camera-equipped smart glasses, including advocacy to the Australian Information Commissioner, the eSafety Commissioner and the Commonwealth Government.
The motion addresses privacy and recording risks from wearable devices used in public places.
Commercial abalone transition
Council noted the NSW Government’s voluntary share surrender program for commercial abalone shareholders and the planned closure of the Central Zone to commercial abalone fishing from 1 July 2027. The motion raised concerns about the support arrangements and requested advocacy to the Minister and local State representative.
The changes may affect commercial fishers, seafood businesses and coastal communities, including areas near Eden.
Merimbula CBD traffic and parking
A motion sought further planning for Beach Street traffic and parking arrangements, including potential restoration of additional parking and accessible parking. The material also notes that further changes would require internal funding and that staff intend to prepare an interim report.
Any changes could affect drivers, pedestrians, businesses, taxi users and people with disability in central Merimbula.
Water bubbler asset inventory
Council received a report on water bubblers and noted ongoing work to record the type and location of existing bubblers across the Shire as part of its asset inventory.
The inventory is intended to improve Council’s knowledge of public drinking-water infrastructure and future maintenance planning.
Strategic planning priorities
Council noted the report on Strategic Planning Service work priorities and resolved to schedule a councillor workshop before next year’s budget is developed.
The workshop may influence which planning, housing and development projects receive staff and budget attention.
Development Control Plan amendments
Council adopted amendments to the Bega Valley Development Control Plan, effective 15 September 2026.
Residents and applicants should check the amended controls before lodging or commenting on development proposals.
RU4 Primary Production Small Lots zone review
Council approved a planning pathway to consider additional uses and possible rezoning of RU4 Primary Production Small Lots land.
Affected landowners may see future changes to permitted uses and planning controls, subject to further studies and formal planning processes.
Places
Bega
Location of the Urban Land Release Area, Structure Plan and approved 166-lot subdivision at 134 East Street.
Merimbula
Location of the Boardwalk Renewal Project and Beach Street CBD traffic and parking arrangements.
Eden
Within the Central Zone affected by planned commercial abalone fishing changes; also identified in broader urban renewal planning.
Merimbula CBD
CBD traffic, parking, landscaping and pedestrian-safety project
Wolumla
Subject of the adopted local infrastructure contribution plan.
Tathra
Location of the approved development application at 61 Dilkera Road.
Bermagui
One of the locations for community meetings on draft plans during public exhibition.
Beach Street, Merimbula
Subject of proposed further review of traffic and parking arrangements.
Projects
Bega Valley Shire Council
Decision-maker and local government authority for all substantive items.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Public feedback will be sought on the Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
Bega District Band
Subject of the water connection charge waiver debate and future MOU.
Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council
Central to the Bundian Way fee waiver and the Snug Cove Maritime Precinct MOU.
Twyford Hall Complex
Subject of adopted fees, management arrangements and debt write-offs.
MCW Lawyers
Appointed alongside Custom Collection Services for unpaid-rates sale proceedings.
Bega Saleyards
Facility subject to a new infrastructure needs analysis and future-direction process.
Bega Valley Construction Pty Ltd
Successful tenderer for Tathra Wharf Cargo Building restoration works.