Extra Ordinary Meeting - 30/06/2026

Topics

• Sanctuary Point Library rescission bid fails in extraordinary meeting
  Council refused an urgent move to overturn its earlier Sanctuary Point Library funding and next steps decision, keeping the project on its current path for now.
  The library remains a live political issue and the outcome affects timing, funding certainty and public confidence in the project.
• Holiday Haven Currarong tender accepted behind closed doors
  Council chose a preferred operator for Holiday Haven Currarong after a confidential tender process.
  The decision affects a local tourism asset and could influence visitor services, staffing and investment in the facility.
• Council pushes NSW Government on co-locating halls and services
  Shoalhaven Council backed a trial to identify duplicated council and state services, with ageing halls flagged as a possible starting point for co-location.
  If the idea advances, residents could see changed delivery models for community facilities and potentially shared premises with schools or government services.

Decisions

• Urgent Sanctuary Point Library rescission motion introduced but lost
  Council first agreed to treat a rescission motion on the Sanctuary Point Library funding and next steps item as urgent so budget line items could be finalised, but the rescission motion itself was lost.
  This directly affects the timing and funding approach for the Sanctuary Point Library project and whether the project can move ahead without delay.
• Investment record received
  Council received the Record of Investments for the period ending 31 May 2026.
  Provides transparency on Council’s financial management and how public funds are being invested.
• Holiday Haven Currarong tender accepted
  In confidential session, Council endorsed the Tender Evaluation Panel recommendation and accepted the tender from Simone Bateman and Emma Page for management and operation of Holiday Haven Currarong.
  Affects the operation of a local holiday park and may influence visitor services, local jobs and tourism activity.
• Service and facility duplication review motion adopted
  Council supported a motion for staff to identify duplicated council and NSW Government facilities/services, with a view to co-location opportunities, and to write to NSW Government ministers and local members about a trial.
  Could lead to changes in how community facilities are delivered, especially ageing halls and shared-use buildings.
• Men’s Shed storage discussion advanced
  Council directed the CEO to engage with the Culburra Beach Orient Point Men’s Shed about an appropriate location for an additional shipping container.
  May improve storage capacity for a local community group and support its ongoing activities.
• ENSA design plans for Moss Street/North Street to be released promptly
  Council supported a motion asking the CEO to oversee the speedy release of ENSA design plans for the Moss Street/North Street intersections to allow business planning.
  Important for nearby residents and businesses waiting on design details and project timing in Nowra.
• LGNSW infrastructure policy support motion carried
  Council resolved to support a Local Government NSW policy proposal on accelerating state and local infrastructure delivery, and to write to the Premier, Planning Minister and local MPs seeking backing.
  Could influence future funding and timing for infrastructure needed to support housing growth and local services.

Discussion

• Sanctuary Point Library funding dispute continued
  The meeting was dominated by debate over the earlier Sanctuary Point Library decision, including a rescission attempt and a motion of dissent tied to the Mayor’s rulings during debate.
  Residents interested in the library project should expect continued political debate over location, funding and next steps.
• Confidential tender process for Holiday Haven Currarong
  Council closed the public part of the meeting to consider a confidential tender for management and operation of Holiday Haven Currarong, citing commercial-in-confidence grounds.
  The outcome affects a public-facing holiday facility, but detailed commercial terms were not made public.
• Co-location trial with NSW Government facilities and services
  The motion specifically mentioned ageing community halls nearing end of life and suggested possible co-location within nearby public school buildings.
  Could reshape how local residents access community infrastructure and services if the trial proceeds.
• Support for local housing infrastructure delivery policy
  Council backed a proposal calling for forward-funding of state and local infrastructure and changes to the Essential Works List so local contributions can fund social infrastructure such as libraries.
  Relevant to residents facing housing growth pressures and delays in supporting infrastructure.
• Council finances and project timing tension
  Several motions referenced the need to finalise budget line items and move projects along without further delay, indicating pressure on Council’s financial planning and delivery schedule.
  May affect when major projects start and how they are funded.

Impacts

• Library planning and funding for Sanctuary Point may change or be delayed further depending on the ongoing rescission debate.
• Holiday Haven Currarong operations are set to change under a newly accepted tender.
• Community halls and other duplicated facilities may be reviewed for possible co-location with NSW Government services.
• Residents and businesses around Moss Street and North Street in Nowra may see project design details released sooner.
• The Men’s Shed at Culburra Beach Orient Point may gain extra storage capacity.
• Future housing growth may be shaped by Council’s push for earlier infrastructure funding.
• Council’s investment holdings were reported, supporting financial transparency.

Places

• Sanctuary Point (locality)
  Site of the library project at the centre of the rescission debate.
• Kerry Street, Sanctuary Point (road)
  Named in the earlier library site decision referenced during the rescission motion.
• Holiday Haven Currarong (facility)
  Public holiday park whose management and operation tender was accepted.
• Currarong (locality)
  Location of the Holiday Haven facility.
• Culburra Beach Orient Point (locality)
  Area of the Men’s Shed motion seeking additional storage.
• Nowra (town)
  Location of the Moss Street and North Street intersection design issue.
• Moss Street / North Street (roads)
  Intersection area where Council sought speedy release of design plans.
• Shoalhaven City (local government area)
  Council-wide motions on co-location opportunities and infrastructure policy support.

Next

• Council staff to continue work on finalising budget line items linked to the Sanctuary Point Library matter.
  Immediate / ongoing after the meeting
• Council to receive and implement the accepted Holiday Haven Currarong tender arrangements.
  After confidential contract execution
• Council staff to identify duplicated council and NSW Government facilities/services and write to the State Government about a co-location trial.
  As directed by Council
• CEO to engage with the Culburra Beach Orient Point Men’s Shed on a suitable location for an additional shipping container.
  As soon as practicable
• CEO to oversee prompt release of ENSA design plans for Moss Street/North Street.
  As soon as practicable
• Council to write to the NSW Premier, Planning Minister and local MPs supporting the LGNSW infrastructure proposal.
  Following the meeting
• Council to receive the next steps on the Sanctuary Point Library project through further report consideration.
  Future meeting / ongoing

Extract

Minutes Confirmed Tuesday 28 July 2026 – Chairperson ................................................................................... Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE EXTRA ORDINARY MEETING Meeting Date: Tuesday, 30 June 2026 Location: Studio Room, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Time: 5.30PM The following members were present: Mayor Patricia White - Chairperson Clr Peter Wilkins Clr Debbie Killian 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 proceedings of this meeting (i...