Land Use Planning & Development Advisory Committee - 09/06/2026

Topics

• Berry planning fast-tracked as council committee pushes for growth report
  Committee asks for an urgent report on expediting Berry planning so future growth can be considered alongside STP upgrade design.
  Could shape the timing of housing, infrastructure and servicing decisions in Berry.
• Committee backs new land use planning scheme
  Members supported Council’s upcoming new land use planning scheme report.
  A new planning scheme can change development rules and land-use outcomes across the municipality.

Decisions

• Support for new land use planning scheme
  The committee supported Council’s upcoming report LU26.4 – New Land Use Planning Scheme.
  Could affect future planning rules, development controls and how land is used across the Shoalhaven.
• Berry planning to be expedited
  The committee requested a report to the September or October Ordinary meeting on expediting planning for Berry so future growth can be considered in the current STP upgrade design.
  May influence growth planning and infrastructure timing for Berry residents and landowners.
• Long-term Berry growth advice to continue
  The committee agreed to continue providing advice to Council on a long-term Growth Plan for Berry.
  Shapes longer-term housing, services and infrastructure planning for Berry.
• Statewide Community Participation Plan response noted
  The committee acknowledged receipt of Council’s response to the draft NSW Statewide Community Participation Plan.
  Could affect how residents are consulted on future planning matters.
• Development Industry Reference Group minutes received
  The committee acknowledged receipt of the presentation and minutes of the Shoalhaven Development Industry Reference Group meeting of 29 April 2026.
  Provides industry input that may influence future development processes and planning discussions.

Discussion

• Future planning for Berry
  A presentation by Jessica Saunders led to a recommendation to support the new land use planning scheme and ask for a report on expediting Berry planning to align with the STP upgrade design.
  Important for residents, developers and property owners in Berry who may be affected by future growth planning and infrastructure sequencing.
• Audio-visual attendance compliance
  Two councillors initially joined without prior approval, but the Director City Development noted the CEO had in fact provided approval for the audio-visual attendance requests.
  Procedural issue only; it affected who could participate as voting members in the meeting.

Impacts

• Possible changes to planning rules and development assessment through the new land use planning scheme.
• Potential acceleration of growth planning work for Berry.
• Future consultation processes may be shaped by the Statewide Community Participation Plan response.
• Long-term infrastructure and service planning in Berry may be influenced by this work.

Places

• Berry (town)
  Focus of future planning and growth planning discussion.
• Shoalhaven (local government area)
  Area covered by the committee and planning matters discussed.
• Nowra (town)
  Meeting location at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.
• Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre (facility)
  Venue for the committee meeting.

Next

• Prepare a report for the September or October Ordinary meeting on expediting planning for Berry.
  September or October 2026 Ordinary meeting
• Continue work on the long-term Growth Plan for Berry.
  Ongoing
• Progress Council’s upcoming report LU26.4 – New Land Use Planning Scheme.
  Upcoming

Extract

Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE LAND USE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026 Location: The Studio, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 5:34 PM The following members were present: Clr Luciano Casmiri - Chairperson Mayor Patricia White Clr Peter Wilkins (Remotely) Clr Selena Clancy (Remotely) Clr Jemma Tribe Clr Matthew Norris Clr Gillian Boyd (Remotely) Clr Debbie Killian (Remotely) Clr Brett Steele Apologies / Leave of Absence An apology was received from Clr Proudfoot. Confirmation of the Audio-Visual Attendance A request to attend this meeting via audio-visual link was received from Clr Killian, Clr Clancy, Clr Wilkins and Clr...