Public Forum - 17/03/2026

Topics

• Public forum tees up debate over planning controls, boat ramp and Sussex Inlet call-in
  Residents fronted council on multiple high-interest planning and access issues before the ordinary meeting.
  These items could shape housing controls, a local boat ramp, and the assessment route for a Sussex Inlet development application.
• Council cost pressures item draws written opposition
  Council received a written submission opposing a motion tied to GIPAs, staff time, OLG referrals and court costs.
  The issue touches ratepayer-funded legal and administrative expenditure and could influence how council handles future disputes.
• Huskisson planning proposal reaches post-exhibition stage
  A planning proposal for land on Bowen Street and Hawke Street in Huskisson was discussed after exhibition.
  Post-exhibition steps can determine whether the proposal progresses and what development may follow.

Decisions

• Notice of Motion: Car Parking and Landscaping Controls for Medium Density
  A public forum speaker addressed a proposed amendment to the Shoalhaven Development Control Plan relating to parking and landscaping controls for medium density housing.
  Could affect how medium-density housing is designed and approved in local suburbs.
• Notice of Motion: Woollamia Boat Ramp
  A public forum speaker addressed the boat ramp issue at Woollamia ahead of the council meeting.
  May affect access, safety and use of a local boating facility.
• Notice of Motion: Call-in of DA2026/1106, Kingsbarns Lane, Sussex Inlet
  The forum included a speaker on the proposed call-in of development application DA2026/1106 for Kingsbarns Lane in Sussex Inlet.
  Could influence the planning assessment pathway for a local development proposal.
• Notice of Motion: GIPAs, Staff Time, Referrals to OLG, Court Costs and Related Costs
  Council received a written submission against the recommendation on the costs associated with GIPAs, staff time, referrals to the Office of Local Government, court costs and related costs.
  Relevant to ratepayer concern about how council resources and legal/regulatory costs are managed.
• Post Exhibition Report: Planning Proposal PP079, 28 Bowen Street and 34-38 Hawke Street, Huskisson
  A public forum speaker addressed the post-exhibition stage of the planning proposal for land at 28 Bowen Street and 34-38 Hawke Street, Huskisson.
  Could affect future land use and development outcomes in Huskisson.
• Development Application DA25/1836, B270 Princes Highway, Jaspers Brush
  A speaker opposed development application DA25/1836 for B270 Princes Highway at Jaspers Brush.
  Relevant to nearby residents and road users affected by the proposed development.

Discussion

• Public forum participation on planning and development items
  The forum was used to hear public addresses on several upcoming ordinary meeting agenda items, including planning proposals, a development application and a motion about development controls.
  Shows which projects and proposals are attracting public attention before council decides them.
• Written submission on council-related costs item
  One written submission was received against the recommendation for the item dealing with GIPAs, staff time, OLG referrals, court costs and related costs.
  Indicates public concern about the financial and administrative burden of these processes.

Impacts

• Potential changes to development controls for medium-density housing.
• Possible changes to planning assessment for a Kingsbarns Lane proposal in Sussex Inlet.
• Future land-use decisions affecting 28 Bowen Street and 34-38 Hawke Street in Huskisson.
• Possible implications for access to the Woollamia boat ramp.
• Council cost and legal process issues may affect ratepayer-funded expenditure.

Places

• Shoalhaven (local government area)
  Council forum covering multiple local planning and infrastructure items.
• Woollamia (locality)
  Boat ramp item discussed.
• Kingsbarns Lane (road)
  Location of development application DA2026/1106.
• Sussex Inlet (town)
  Area affected by DA2026/1106.
• 28 Bowen Street (address)
  Included in planning proposal PP079 in Huskisson.
• 34-38 Hawke Street (address)
  Included in planning proposal PP079 in Huskisson.
• Huskisson (town)
  Planning proposal location.
• Jaspers Brush (locality)
  Site of DA25/1836 on B270 Princes Highway.

Next

• Council to consider the forum-addressed agenda items at the upcoming ordinary meeting.
  Next ordinary meeting after 17/03/2026
• Proceed with public consideration of the planning proposal and development application items.
  As scheduled through council agenda processes
• Review the item concerning GIPAs, staff time, OLG referrals, court costs and related costs.
  At the ordinary meeting agenda stage

Extract

Meeting Minutes RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PUBLIC FORUM Meeting Date: Tuesday, 17 March 2026 Location: The Studio, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 5.30PM The following members were present: Mayor Patricia White - Chairperson Clr Selena Clancy Clr Denise Kemp (Remote) Clr Luciano Casmiri Clr Brett Steele Clr Peter Wilkins Clr Bob Proudfoot Clr Jemma Tribe Clr Matthew Norris (Remote) Clr Gillian Boyd Clr Ben Krikstolaitis The meeting was opened by an Acknowledgement of Country by the Chairperson. The Mayor read a statement advising those present that the proceedings of this forum (including presentations) will be webcast and may be recorded and broadcast under...