Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group - 01/09/2026

Topics

• Four Aboriginal Land Claims leave Shoalhaven motor sports sites in limbo
  The proposed Motoplex and original motor sports complex site remain affected by four undetermined Aboriginal Land Claims with no assessment timeframe.
  The unresolved claims could delay or complicate future planning and development of a major motor sports proposal discussed in terms of potential economic and employment benefits.

Decisions

• Action table update received
  The Working Group received the Action Table Report and closed action MS26.3 concerning engagement with local MPs, the NSW Minister for Land and Property, and Regional Development Australia about Aboriginal Land Claims and grant opportunities.
  The action is complete, but land-claim issues continue to affect the proposed motor sports facility.
• Advocacy and collaboration report received
  The Working Group received a report on correspondence with MPs and the relevant Minister regarding Aboriginal Land Claims affecting the proposed motor sports site.
  The report confirms there is still no assessment or determination timeframe for the claims affecting the area.

Discussion

• Undetermined Aboriginal Land Claims affecting motor sports sites
  Four Aboriginal Land Claims over land spanning both sides of Braidwood Road remain undetermined. The claims are not currently under assessment, have not been prioritised and have no stated determination timeframe.
  The uncertainty affects the future of the Motoplex site and the original motor sports complex site, including any future planning or development pathway.
• Future planning and role of Council
  The Working Group discussed planning approval pathways, environmental considerations, economic and employment benefits, and Council's role in facilitating stakeholder discussions. The CEO said the future role of the Working Group and Council involvement will need to be considered as planning and assessment processes progress.
  Any future motor sports proposal will need to address planning and environmental requirements before it can progress.

Impacts

• The proposed motor sports facility remains affected by unresolved Aboriginal Land Claims.
• No timeframe was provided for assessment or determination of the four claims.
• Future development would still be subject to planning approval and environmental assessment processes.

Places

• Braidwood Road (road)
  The land affected by the undetermined claims spans both sides of the road.
• Motoplex site (project site)
  The site is within the area affected by the undetermined Aboriginal Land Claims.
• Original motor sports complex site (project site)
  The former site pursued through a development application by Motorcycling NSW is also within the affected land area.
• Yerriyong (locality)
  A partial land parcel reference associated with the Working Group's completed action on Aboriginal Land Claims.
• Nowra (town)
  The meeting was held at the City Administrative Centre in Nowra, and the Nowra Local Aboriginal Land Council is involved in nearby land transfer processes.

Next

• Continue monitoring the four undetermined Aboriginal Land Claims and any future assessment or determination process.
  No timeframe provided.
• Consider Council's future role and the future role of the Working Group as planning and assessment processes progress.
  As the proposal progresses.
• Make the meeting presentation available with the published minutes on Council's website.
  With the minutes.

Extract

Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE SHOALHAVEN MOTOR SPORTS WORKING GROUP Meeting Date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026 Location: Jervis Bay Room, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 11:30 AM The following members were present: Clr Luciano Casmiri – Chairperson Clr Peter Wilkins Clr Selena Clancy (Remotely) Mr Norman Mogg Mr Paul Dean Mr Roger Walker Ms Selena Stevens – Regional Development Australia (RDA) Illawarra Shoalhaven (Remotely) Mr Andrew Constance - Chief Executive Officer Others present: Mr Gordon Clark – Section Manager – Strategic Planning Mr Ryan Schulter – Senior Economic Development Officer Ms Kat Fischer – Governance Officer (minute taker) Apologies / Leave of Absence...