Shoalhaven Motor Sports Working Group - 16/03/2026

Topics

• Council backs push to clear land claim barrier for Yerriyong motor sports site
  The working group wants state help to resolve an Aboriginal land claim affecting the proposed site.
  The land claim is blocking progress on a long-discussed project and could determine whether the site is usable.
• RDA invited to brief working group on grants for motor sports proposal
  Council is looking beyond its own budget for funding pathways to advance the project.
  Any grant or external funding advice could unlock the next stage of assessments and investigations.

Decisions

• Action table accepted and updated
  The working group accepted the Action Table Report for information and marked specified prior items as complete, removing them from the action table.
  Helps clarify which outstanding tasks are still active on the motor sports project and which have been closed.
• Advocacy on Aboriginal Land Claim over Yerriyong site
  Council staff were directed to write to local MPs and the NSW Minister for Lands and Property seeking assistance to finalise or resolve the Aboriginal Land Claim/s over the eastern part of Part Lot 7309 DP1148878, Yerriyong.
  The land claim is a key barrier to any future development or use of the site, so this affects project timing and feasibility.
• RDA invitation on funding opportunities
  Council staff were directed to invite Regional Development Australia (RDA) Illawarra Shoalhaven to brief the working group on potential grant opportunities that could help progress the project.
  Funding support could influence whether the motor sports proposal can advance without relying solely on council resources.

Discussion

• Project feasibility constraints
  Council staff said progress depends on three things: a definite site, an agreed project scope, and a funding source for specialist assessments and investigations. They also said council lacks the internal resources and budget to do the required technical work.
  Residents should expect limited movement on the project until land, scope and funding are resolved.
• Environmental and land tenure risk
  Staff advised that advancing assessments carries financial risk because of environmental and land tenure uncertainties on the site.
  These risks may delay decisions and shape whether the project can proceed at all.
• Funding pathways
  The meeting discussed private investment and grants. Staff noted most grants are outcomes-focused but said RDA may be able to identify relevant opportunities.
  Potential funding sources will affect whether the proposal can move from discussion to delivery.

Impacts

• The motor sports proposal remains constrained by unresolved land claim issues.
• Council is not funding the specialist site assessments from its own budget at this stage.
• Further advocacy to state representatives is planned to help unlock the site.
• A future meeting may include RDA advice on grants and funding pathways.

Places

• Yerriyong (locality)
  Site area referenced in relation to the eastern part of Part Lot 7309 DP1148878 and the Aboriginal Land Claim/s.
• Part Lot 7309 DP1148878 (land parcel)
  The eastern part of this parcel at Yerriyong was identified as affected by the land claim.
• Jervis Bay Room, City Administrative Centre, Nowra (meeting venue)
  Location where the working group met.

Next

• Write to local MPs and the NSW Minister for Lands and Property about the Aboriginal Land Claim/s over the site
  As directed by the working group
• Invite RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven to present on possible grant opportunities
  At a future meeting
• Continue assessing whether the project can progress once site, scope and funding issues are resolved
  Ongoing

Extract

Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE SHOALHAVEN MOTOR SPORTS WORKING GROUP Meeting Date: Monday, 16 March 2026 Location: Jervis Bay Room, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 4:57 PM The following members were present: Clr Luciano Casmiri – Chairperson Mayor Patricia White Clr Selena Clancy – joined at 5:00pm Mr Roger Walker Mr Norman Mogg Mr Greg Boyle Ms Emma Struys - Director - City Development Others present: Mr Ryan Schulter – Senior Economic Development Officer Mr Gordon Clark – Section Manager – Strategic Planning Ms Jenna Anderson – Governance Coordinator Ms Kat Fischer – Governance Officer (Minute taker) Apologies / Leave of Absence Apologies were received from Andrew Con...