Public Forum - 19/05/2026

Topics

• Council forum limits extra public speakers on agenda items
  The CEO refused additional speaking applications at the public forum, saying the reports already covered community objections.
  Affects how much direct public input residents can make on contentious council items.
• Community access and logging motion draws public submissions
  A notice of motion on protecting access to community areas and opposing logging attracted a written submission against the recommendation.
  Signals ongoing community tension over land access and forestry policy.
• Development applications in Kangaroo Valley and Huskisson attract objections
  Two development applications were the subject of written submissions against the recommendation.
  Indicates active local planning disputes that could affect nearby residents and future development outcomes.

Decisions

• Refused additional speakers on items of business
  The CEO used discretion under clause 4.2(k) to refuse additional speaking applications, on the basis that the relevant reports already addressed community objections and councillors had that information available.
  Limits how many residents could speak publicly on the listed items, but does not change the underlying decisions themselves.

Discussion

• Environmental management for Fisherman's Paradise and Lake Conjola Village
  A notice of motion was listed on enhancing environmental management for these localities.
  Could affect local environmental planning and management in the Lake Conjola area.
• Access to community areas and logging
  A notice of motion concerned protecting communities’ right to access community areas and opposing logging. A written submission was received against the recommendation.
  Relevant to access, land use and forestry issues affecting nearby communities and visitors.
• Bay and Basin Sports and Community Hub Project
  A notice of motion related to the Bay and Basin Sports and Community Hub Project, and the CEO declared a less than significant non-pecuniary interest because he knows the speaker through his time in the Liberal Party.
  May influence future community infrastructure and sporting facility planning in the Bay and Basin area.
• Legal and consulting costs for refused development applications
  A notice of motion addressed legal and consulting costs associated with determining refused development applications.
  May have budget implications for ratepayers and future development assessment processes.
• Proposed Accredited Community Forums Model of Engagement
  Written submissions were received for a proposed community forums model of engagement.
  Could affect how residents participate in council engagement and consultation.
• Development applications with written objections
  Written submissions were received on DA25/1018 at 30 Tallowa Dam Road, Kangaroo Valley, and DA2024/2379 at 21 Fegen Street, Huskisson, both against the recommendation.
  Relevant to local planning outcomes and nearby residents in Kangaroo Valley and Huskisson.

Impacts

• Public speaking rights on agenda items were limited by CEO discretion at this forum.
• Potential implications for environmental management in Fisherman's Paradise and Lake Conjola Village.
• Potential implications for community access and logging-related land use issues.
• Possible future impact on community sporting infrastructure in the Bay and Basin area.
• Potential cost and planning consequences linked to refused development applications.
• Community consultation arrangements may change under the proposed accredited forums model.
• Two development applications in Kangaroo Valley and Huskisson attracted written objections.

Places

• Fisherman's Paradise (locality)
  Mentioned in the environmental management notice of motion.
• Lake Conjola Village (village)
  Mentioned in the environmental management notice of motion.
• Bay and Basin (region)
  Named in the sports and community hub project motion.
• Kangaroo Valley (locality)
  Location of DA25/1018 with a written submission against the recommendation.
• Tallowa Dam Road (road)
  Site of DA25/1018 at 30 Tallowa Dam Road.
• Huskisson (town)
  Location of DA2024/2379 with a written submission against the recommendation.
• Fegen Street (street)
  Site of DA2024/2379 at 21 Fegen Street.
• Nowra (town)
  Meeting location at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

Next

• Council to consider the listed notices of motion and related submissions in future business papers.
  At a subsequent council meeting
• Council officers/councillors to take into account the written submissions on the community forums model and development applications.
  Before decisions on the relevant items
• Further public speaking on these items remains subject to CEO discretion under the meeting rules.
  As future items arise

Extract

Public Forum RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE PUBLIC FORUM Meeting Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026 Location: The Studio, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 5.30PM The following members were present: Clr Peter Wilkins - Chairperson Clr Selena Clancy Clr Denise Kemp (Remote) Clr Luciano Casmiri Clr Karlee Dunn (Remote) Clr Brett Steele Clr Bob Proudfoot Clr Jemma Tribe Clr Matthew Norris Clr Gillian Boyd Clr Ben Krikstolaitis Clr Debbie Killian Apologies / Leave of Absence An apology was received from Mayor Patricia White. Declaration of Interests The Chief Executive Officer made a less than significant non-pecuniary interest declaration on Item CL26.96 - Notice of Motion - Bay...