Ordinary Meeting - 24/02/2026

Topics

• Council backs Sussex Golf Village and golf course retention
  Council has formally reaffirmed support for the golf village proposal and the existing golf course and clubhouse.
  This is a clear planning and land-use signal for Sussex Inlet with implications for future development and recreation access.
• Tree planting programs to face tighter reporting and consultation
  Council adopted stronger controls on future tree and vegetation plantings after concerns about infrastructure damage and bushfire risk.
  The decision could change how greening projects are planned, costed and rolled out across the city.
• Nowra CBD and Huskisson lighting grants under consideration
  Council will explore Safer Cities funding for lighting upgrades in two public precincts.
  If successful, the grants could bring visible safety and amenity improvements to busy public areas.

Decisions

• Sussex Inlet Golf Village support confirmed
  Council resolved to continue strong support for the ongoing establishment of the Sussex Golf Village and the retention of the Sussex Inlet Golf Course and clubhouse, noting the site’s RE2 private recreation zoning and related planning basis.
  Affects future land use, recreation access and planning certainty in Sussex Inlet.
• Ward councillor invitations to local consultations
  Council staff and/or the Mayor will invite relevant ward councillors to Council-initiated meetings or consultations that specifically relate to issues in their wards.
  Improves local representation in ward-specific consultation and decision-making.
• Tree planting program reporting and consultation required
  Council endorsed stronger controls for future tree and vegetation planting programs, including detailed pre-approval reporting, consultation with affected residents, councillor notification, maintenance cost reporting and species/site investigations.
  Impacts streetscapes, bushfire risk, infrastructure protection and resident consultation on planting programs.
• Safer Cities grant opportunities to be explored
  The CEO was requested to consider applying for Safer Cities funding for festoon lighting or similar in the Nowra CBD around Stewart Place Bus Terminal, and to explore eligibility for lighting at Huskisson Voyager Memorial Park Wall of Remembrance Precinct.
  Could deliver public lighting and amenity upgrades in Nowra and Huskisson if funding is secured.
• Council cooperation with OLG Section 430 investigation
  Council committed to fully assisting the Office of Local Government’s Section 430 investigation into CEO recruitment and encouraged information be provided to the community as early as allowed.
  Relates to governance, transparency and public confidence in council administration.
• Budget adjustments and loan repayments adopted
  Council received the quarterly performance and budget review reports, adopted budget adjustments, approved $8.854 million in extra loan repayments from unspent borrowings, repurposed $966,000 from waste loan proceeds to the Material Recovery Facility project, and noted $7.435 million in savings against the $10 million target.
  Affects council finances, debt levels and delivery of waste and other capital projects.
• Endeavour Energy easement for community battery approved
  Council granted an easement over council land at Jacobs Drive, Sussex Inlet for Endeavour Energy to construct and maintain a community battery, and accepted $8,000 compensation.
  Supports local energy infrastructure and community battery installation in Sussex Inlet.
• Floodplain committee memberships extended
  Council extended the Northern and Central Floodplain Risk Management Committees until key floodplain studies and plans have been endorsed for adoption.
  Keeps flood-risk planning processes active for affected catchments and communities.

Discussion

• Mayoral recognition and memorial minute
  Council recognised Berry resident Kenneth Neil Hutt OAM for Australia Day honours and acknowledged the anniversary of Airlie Montgomery’s passing, including support for a memorial playground concept at Drexel Park.
  Community recognition and memorial-related planning, with potential future park improvements in North Nowra.
• Broughton Creek Flood Study adopted
  Council adopted the Broughton Creek Flood Study 2025 after endorsement from the floodplain risk management committee.
  Important for flood planning, development controls and insurance risk in the Broughton Creek area.
• ALGA conference delegation and motion approved
  Council selected its delegates for the 2026 ALGA National General Assembly and agreed to submit a motion seeking extra financial assistance for councils with evidence-based asset maintenance plans for essential infrastructure.
  May influence advocacy on funding for roads, stormwater and other essential assets.

Impacts

• Future tree planting programs will face more reporting, consultation and cost scrutiny before implementation.
• Residents in Sussex Inlet may see continued support for golf-course-related land use and a community battery project at Jacobs Drive.
• Nowra CBD and Huskisson could benefit from safer-streets lighting grant applications.
• Council finances were adjusted, including higher loan repayments and reallocation of unspent funds to the Material Recovery Facility.
• Flood-risk planning for Broughton Creek and broader catchments will continue under extended committee memberships.

Places

• Sussex Inlet (locality)
  Golf village support and community battery easement at Jacobs Drive.
• Nowra CBD (central business district)
  Potential Safer Cities lighting application around Stewart Place Bus Terminal.
• Stewart Place Bus Terminal (transport facility)
  Proposed lighting upgrade for public safety and vibrancy.
• Huskisson Voyager Memorial Park Wall of Remembrance Precinct (park/precinct)
  Possible Safer Cities lighting grant application.
• Berry (town)
  Home locality referenced in the Australia Day honours recognition and councillor interest declaration.
• North Nowra (locality)
  Airlie Montgomery memorial acknowledgement at the Grotto and proposed Drexel Park playground concept.
• Drexel Park (park)
  Potential new playground concept in Airlie Montgomery’s name.
• Broughton Creek (catchment/area)
  Flood Study 2025 adopted.

Next

• CEO to consider Safer Cities grant applications for Nowra CBD and Huskisson lighting
  By the grant closing date of 6 March 2026, if eligible
• Staff to develop playground concept designs at Drexel Park with the Montgomery family
  Ongoing
• Council to assist the OLG investigation and provide public information when permitted
  Ongoing during the Section 430 investigation
• Implement adopted budget adjustments and additional loan repayments
  Before 30 June 2026
• Extend floodplain committee memberships until FRMS&P endorsements are completed
  Until adoption of the relevant flood studies and plans

Extract

Minutes Confirmed Tuesday 24 March 2026 – Chairperson ............................................................................... Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING Meeting Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026 Location: The Studio, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 5.30pm The following members were present: Mayor Patricia White - Chairperson Clr Debbie Killian Clr Gillian Boyd Clr Jemma Tribe Clr Matthew Norris Clr Karlee Dunn Clr Peter Wilkins Clr Bob Proudfoot Clr Luciano Casmiri Clr Selena Clancy Clr Brett Steele Clr Denise Kemp A statement was played advising those present that the proceedings of this meeting (including presentations and debate) will...