Extra Ordinary Meeting - 13/02/2026

Topics

• Council accepts draft Performance Improvement Order
  Extraordinary meeting backs a formal response to state intervention in council operations.
  This is a significant governance development that may affect local decision-making and public confidence.
• Independent review to support council response
  Council will hire an independent professional to review material related to the Order’s concerns.
  Could lead to operational changes, further findings or recommendations affecting residents and council staff.

Decisions

• Table and accept draft Performance Improvement Order
  Council tabled the Notice of Intention to issue a Performance Improvement Order under section 438A of the Local Government Act 1993, accepted the draft Order, and committed to cooperate fully with the Office of Local Government.
  Could affect how the council is governed and how quickly local issues, services and reforms are addressed.
• Seek clarification from the Minister
  Council will write to the Minister for Local Government by 20 February 2026 seeking clarification on matters relating to restructures, personal information and evidence of systemic issues.
  May influence how publicly the council’s internal issues are handled and what information is disclosed.
• Commission independent review support
  Council will engage an independent, suitably qualified professional to collate and review materials relevant to the concerns raised in the Order.
  Intended to help council respond to the Order in the interests of the Shoalhaven community.
• Request meeting with the Minister
  Council will ask the Minister for Local Government to visit and meet with councillors and executive staff.
  Could shape the council’s response and the future oversight of local government operations.

Discussion

• Performance Improvement Order notice
  The meeting was called to consider a Notice of Intention to issue a Performance Improvement Order from the Minister for Local Government dated 5 February 2026.
  Signals serious governance concerns that may affect council operations and service delivery.
• Compliance and oversight response
  Council agreed to cooperate with the Office of Local Government and to obtain independent professional review of relevant materials.
  Residents may see changes in council governance processes and accountability measures.

Impacts

• Possible changes to council governance and internal operations.
• Potential effects on how quickly council reforms and service improvements are implemented.
• Greater scrutiny of council decision-making and compliance matters.

Places

• Shoalhaven City Council (local government area)
  Council subject to the Performance Improvement Order.
• Shoalhaven (region)
  Community whose interests were cited in relation to the Order and response.
• Nowra (town)
  Meeting location at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.
• Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre (facility)
  Venue for the extraordinary meeting.

Next

• Write to the Minister confirming acceptance of the draft Performance Improvement Order and cooperation position
  By 20 February 2026
• Seek clarification on restructures, personal information and evidence of systemic issues
  By 20 February 2026
• Engage an independent, suitably qualified professional to review relevant materials
  After the meeting, as soon as practicable
• Request the Minister attend a meeting with councillors and executive staff
  Following the resolution

Extract

Minutes Confirmed Tuesday 24 February 2026 – Chairperson ........................................................................... Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE EXTRAORDINARY MEETING Meeting Date: Friday, 13 February 2026 Location: The Studio, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 11.00AM The following members were present: Mayor Patricia White - Chairperson Clr Selena Clancy Clr Denise Kemp Clr Luciano Casmiri Clr Brett Steele Clr Peter Wilkins Clr Bob Proudfoot Clr Jemma Tribe Clr Karlee Dunn (Arrived 11.02am) Clr Matthew Norris Clr Gillian Boyd Clr Ben Krikstolaitis Clr Debbie Killian Apologies / Leave of Absence Nil Confirmation of the Audio-Visual Attendance Nil...