Ordinary Meeting - 27/01/2026

Topics

• Council backs light rail investigation for Bomaderry, Nowra and South Nowra
  Council is formally pushing Transport for NSW to study a full light rail option for the growing corridor.
  Could influence major long-term transport planning and how future housing growth is serviced.
• $3.4 million Mundamia road intersection tender awarded
  Council awarded a major tender for the Yalwal Rd and George Evans Rd intersection upgrade at Mundamia.
  The project should improve local road capacity and safety, and signals imminent construction activity.
• Draft contributions plan and related planning policies go on exhibition
  Council is exposing a new contributions plan and linked planning documents for public comment.
  The package may affect developer contributions, traffic/cark park settings and future project funding.

Decisions

• Low-Cost Rental Initiative Working Group established
  Council approved setting up a Low-Cost Rental Initiative Working Group and asked the CEO to urgently report back with the Terms of Reference. The group will have the power to co-opt outside expertise and a core membership of four councillors.
  May influence future housing affordability work and local rental policy settings.
• 2026 Australia Day Awards winners congratulated
  Council acknowledged all nominees and wrote to congratulate the award winners presented at the combined Citizenship and Australia Day ceremony at Mollymook Beach Reserve.
  Recognises local community contributors and award recipients.
• Transport for NSW to be asked to investigate light rail options
  Council supported a request for Transport for NSW to investigate a full light rail system linking Bomaderry, Nowra and South Nowra, including feasibility, route alignments, integration and capacity benefits.
  Could shape long-term transport planning and future access across the growth corridor.
• Tomerong School of Arts centenary support
  Council staff were directed to work with Tomerong School of Arts Inc. on centenary celebrations and to provide in-principle support, including grant support and in-kind assistance where possible.
  Supports a local community heritage event and possible council assistance.
• Investigation into peacocks at St Georges Basin
  The Chief Executive Officer was asked to investigate amenity impacts from peacocks near Deane Street, St Georges Basin, and determine an appropriate compliance response.
  May lead to nuisance mitigation or compliance action for affected residents.
• Budget strategy for 2026/27 adopted
  Council adopted guiding budgeting strategies and economic parameters for preparation of the initial draft 2026/27 budget, including no unrestricted cash deficit, priority for continuing services and asset renewal, no new borrowing, and a focus on road network repairs.
  Sets the financial direction for service delivery, asset renewal and road spending.
• Draft Contributions Plan and related documents sent to public exhibition
  Council approved public exhibition of the draft Shoalhaven Contributions Plan 2026, related DCP car parking and traffic changes, Planning Agreement Policy, Works in Kind Agreement Policy, and a list of removed projects for at least 28 days.
  Residents, developers and community groups can review and comment on planning contribution changes.
• Revised rebate and obligations policies adopted
  Council adopted revised policies for undetected leak rebates, community service obligations and rain water tank rebates, with additional wording changes to definitions and implementation wording.
  Affects water rebate eligibility and how some community service obligations are defined.
• $3.4 million road intersection upgrade tender awarded
  In a confidential item later made public, Council endorsed the tender from A1 Earthworx Mining and Civil t/a Cleary Bros for the Yalwal Rd and George Evans Rd, Mundamia intersection upgrade, at a total cost of $3,407,073 excluding GST.
  Brings a road upgrade project closer to construction for local motorists and nearby residents.

Discussion

• Financial Review Panel and Senior Staff Contractual Matters Subcommittee appointments
  Following a vacancy created by Councillor Cox's resignation, Councillor Steele was appointed to the Financial Review Panel and the Senior Staff Contractual Matters Subcommittee, and an EOI will be sought for two community members on the panel.
  Affects council governance and oversight arrangements.
• Aboriginal Advisory Committee membership endorsed
  Council endorsed Paul McLeod's membership renewal on the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
  Supports ongoing Aboriginal advisory input into council decisions.
• Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group follow-up reports
  Council asked for further reports on Aboriginal Land Council approval processes, SEARs for a second racetrack, and available biodiversity offsets.
  Relevant to future motorsport development and environmental approvals.
• Notice of motion on Kiama by-election congratulation
  Council formally congratulated Ms Katelin McInerny MP on her election as Member for Kiama and thanked other candidates.
  Political courtesy item with limited direct service impact.

Impacts

• Potential changes to rental affordability policy and housing-related planning through the new working group.
• Possible future transport advocacy for a Bomaderry–Nowra–South Nowra light rail corridor.
• Road maintenance and intersection works may improve local traffic conditions, especially at Mundamia.
• Residents and developers will have a chance to comment on draft contributions and related planning documents.
• Water rebate and community service policy changes may affect eligibility and definitions for some users.
• Council may take compliance action on the peacock nuisance issue in St Georges Basin.
• Tomerong may benefit from council support for centenary celebrations and grant applications.

Places

• Shoalhaven (local government area)
  Council-wide decisions on housing, budget, planning and governance.
• Bomaderry (suburb)
  Referenced in proposed light rail/transport investigation.
• Nowra (town)
  Referenced in proposed light rail/transport investigation and housing growth.
• South Nowra (suburb)
  Referenced in proposed light rail/transport investigation and growth corridor planning.
• Mollymook Beach Reserve (reserve)
  Site of the Australia Day Awards ceremony.
• Tomerong (locality)
  Centenary celebrations for the School of Arts.
• St Georges Basin (locality)
  Location of the peacock amenity/compliance issue.
• Mundamia (locality)
  Site of the Yalwal Rd and George Evans Rd intersection upgrade.

Next

• CEO to report back urgently with Terms of Reference for the Low-Cost Rental Initiative Working Group
  Urgent
• Seek Transport for NSW investigation into light rail options and bring any report back to Council
  Future report requested
• Staff to work with Tomerong School of Arts Inc. on centenary support and grant assistance
  Ahead of October 2026 celebrations
• Undertake investigation into peacock impacts near Deane Street, St Georges Basin
  As soon as practicable
• Place draft contributions documents on public exhibition for at least 28 days and report back after exhibition
  Following public exhibition period
• Execute contract documents for the Mundamia intersection upgrade tender
  After tender award
• Put out an EOI for two community members for the Financial Review Panel
  Soon
• Bring back any confidential report on the separate item considered in closed session
  As required

Extract

Minutes Confirmed Tuesday 24 February 2026 – Chairperson ........................................................................... Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING Meeting Date: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 Location: The Studio, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 6:00 PM The following members were present: Mayor Patricia White - Chairperson Clr Selena Clancy Clr Denise Kemp Clr Luciano Casmiri Clr Karlee Dunn (Remotely) Clr Brett Steele Clr Peter Wilkins Clr Bob Proudfoot Clr Jemma Tribe Clr Matthew Norris Clr Gillian Boyd Clr Ben Krikstolaitis Clr Debbie Killian A statement was read to those present that the proceedings of this meeting (including present...