Extra Ordinary Meeting - 16/06/2026

Topics

• Council resets meeting rules and opens new code for public comment
  Council scrapped its December 2025 meeting rules, reinstated the earlier code and put a revised 2026 code on exhibition.
  This affects how council meetings, public forums and notice-of-motion business will be run, with direct implications for transparency and public participation.
• Meeting calendar confirmed for Shoalhaven through August 2026
  Council locked in its ordinary meeting dates and venues for late June, July and August.
  Residents, advocacy groups and businesses can now plan attendance or deputation around confirmed council meeting times and venues.

Decisions

• Rescind December 2025 Code of Meeting Practice and Public Forum Policy
  Council followed advice from the Office of Local Government and rescinded the Code of Meeting Practice and Public Forum Policy adopted on 16 December 2025, reinstating the earlier 2024 code.
  This changes the rules for how council meetings and public forum participation will operate while a new code is prepared.
• Adopt ordinary meeting schedule to August 2026
  Council adopted meeting dates for 29 June, 28 July and 25 August 2026, with all meetings starting at 5.30pm.
  Residents now have confirmed dates and venues for upcoming council meetings they may wish to attend or watch.
• Update temporary order of business arrangements
  Council considered and resolved on interim meeting-order arrangements while the new code is being developed, including the order in which business items are handled.
  This affects how meetings are run and when public-facing agenda items may be dealt with.
• Place Draft 2026 Code of Meeting Practice on public exhibition
  Council approved the draft 2026 code for public exhibition for 42 days, with amendments included before exhibition.
  Residents and community groups will have an opportunity to comment on proposed meeting rule changes.

Discussion

• Amendments to the draft meeting code
  Council added changes before exhibition, including a clause discouraging mobile phone use in the chamber, revised briefing attendance expectations for councillors attending by audio-visual link, a revised notice of motion withdrawal process, removal of a livestream copyright clause, and a prayer item in the order of business.
  These changes affect transparency, meeting conduct and how public business is managed.
• Seeking further legal/procedural advice on meeting format
  Council moved to seek further advice from the Office of Local Government about whether monthly Monday meetings could be followed by a Tuesday adjournment to complete remaining business.
  This could alter how residents attend, watch and participate in council meetings.

Impacts

• Meeting rules for public forums and council proceedings have changed again pending exhibition of a new code.
• Council meetings up to August 2026 are now scheduled and publicly listed.
• Residents may submit feedback during the 42-day exhibition of the Draft 2026 Code of Meeting Practice.

Places

• The Studio, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre (venue)
  Venue for the 29 June 2026 ordinary meeting.
• Council Chambers, Nowra Administrative Centre (venue)
  Venue for the 28 July and 25 August 2026 ordinary meetings.
• Nowra (locality)
  Meeting location referenced in the minutes.

Next

• Place the Draft 2026 Code of Meeting Practice on public exhibition
  42-day submission period
• Receive a report back after public exhibition closes
  After the 42-day submission period
• Seek further advice from the Office of Local Government on meeting format
  Before future meetings / as required
• Hold scheduled ordinary meetings at the adopted dates and venues
  29 June, 28 July and 25 August 2026

Extract

Minutes Confirmed Monday 29 June 2026 – Chairperson .................................................................................. Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE EXTRA ORDINARY MEETING Meeting Date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026 Location: The Studio, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 5.30pm The following members were present: Mayor Patricia White - Chairperson Clr Peter Wilkins Clr Debbie Killian (Remotely) Clr Gillian Boyd Clr Jemma Tribe Clr Ben Krikstolaitis Clr Matthew Norris Clr Karlee Dunn (Remotely) Clr Bob Proudfoot Clr Luciano Casmiri Clr Selena Clancy Clr Brett Steele Clr Denise Kemp (Remotely) The Chairperson read a statement advising those present that the pr...